P C Ghose Commission Kaleshwaram Inquiry In Last Leg

The investigation led by the Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Commission, examining irregularities related to the Kaleshwaram project - particularly concerning the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages - has reached its final phase.

Sources indicate that the Commission is expected to submit its final report to the State government on July 27.

Since last year, the Commission has been reviewing the shortcomings and failures associated with the three barrages. An extensive probe has already been conducted into their design, construction, quality and maintenance.

As part of the investigation, the Commission has interviewed former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao and former Finance Minister Etala Rajender. It has obtained affidavits from engineers and senior officials concerning technical, financial and policy matters, and conducted cross-examinations based on these affidavits.

However, all still doesn't seem to be over. The Commission has issued fresh summons to the former Engineer-in-Chief of the Irrigation Department, M Anil Kumar.

The Commission found that there was an attempt by Kumar to conceal the grounding issue at the Medigadda barrage. Reports indicate that Justice Ghose expressed displeasure with Kumar for allegedly providing a misleading statement while holding a key position, and he has been asked to appear before the Commission for questioning on July 9.

The Commission's office also stated that it had received the minutes of Cabinet meetings held by the previous government pertaining to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation and associated projects.