Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy's statements have come to the fore in the wake of the recent findings by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), indicating substantial damage to the Medigadda Barrage in Telangana.
In response to queries concerning the likelihood of an inquiry into the Medigadda Barrage's condition, Union Minister and Telangana BJP Chief G. Kishan Reddy asserted that the central government was fully prepared to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, provided that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao formally requests it.
He noted, "If the Chief Minister submits a formal request to the Centre, a CBI inquiry could be initiated within a mere 15 minutes." While visiting the barrage site, Reddy stressed the importance of ensuring that the people of Telangana have access to the complete facts of the situation and urged a comprehensive investigation.
This statement follows the National Dam Safety Authority's declaration that the Medigadda Barrage, an integral component of the Kaleshwaram project, has sustained significant damage, effectively rendering the dam non-functional unless it undergoes a full-fledged rehabilitation process.
Reddy placed the blame squarely on the state government, accusing it of attempting to conceal pertinent facts and shield itself from accountability for the errors committed in this context. "The ruling party is endeavoring to shift the blame onto others, attempting to obscure the facts, and maintain the populace of Telangana in the dark about the situation," he said.
Furthermore, Reddy alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and his family had exerted their influence at all stages of the project, from its design to execution, including the contractor selection. He expressed concern that the future of the project is now highly uncertain, and the overall state of the project is deplorable.
The NDSA initiated a site visit following reports of damage to the Medigadda Barrage. In a letter addressed to the Telangana Chief Secretary, NDSA member Sanjay Kumar Sibal affirmed that, until it undergoes comprehensive rehabilitation, the barrage remains inoperable.
