Telangana High Court Issues Notices Over Kaleswaram Project Inspection

The Telangana High Court in Hyderabad on Wednesday issued notices to the central government and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) regarding a petition seeking an independent technical inspection of the Kaleswaram lift irrigation project. Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, who presided over the hearing, also issued notices to the Telangana state government and the Telangana Retired Engineers Association (TREA).

The petition, filed by advocate Srirambhatla Sharath Kumar, specifically seeks a comprehensive safety assessment and independent technical inspection of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, alongside the Kannepally and Sundilla pump houses, which form key parts of the irrigation project.

According to the petitioner, the state government's inaction in initiating corrective steps, as previously suggested by the NDSA, has led to significant delays in repairs. As a result of these delays, water has been going to waste downstream, severely impacting local farmers and agricultural activities in the region.

The petitioner is seeking an assessment to determine whether any portion of the Kaleswaram project can be safely put back into limited use. The petition requests that a reasoned technical report be compiled and submitted following the inspection.

During the court proceedings, the counsel representing the petitioner argued that the entire issue was being politicised due to a "clear political vendetta." The counsel alleged that the state government has not taken any concrete steps to repair the damages or look into the available feasibility options.

Recognising the complexity of the situation, Justice B Vijaysen Reddy remarked that because the dispute involves a technical and sensitive matter, the NDSA must appear to clarify its position.

The Telangana High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 21, by which time the responding parties are expected to submit their replies.