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New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kaleshwaram project probe: KCR points fingers at KLIS engineers
HYDERABAD: Former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday made it clear that all technical decisions related to the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme were taken by engineers and had nothing to do with politicians. He stated that all approvals for the project were granted by the state Cabinet. Deposing before the Commission of Inquiry on Kaleshwaram, headed by former Supreme Court judge PC Ghose, at BRKR Bhavan here, KCR explained the genesis of the project and the subsequent decisions taken. KCR, the first chief minister of Telangana, appeared before the Commission as witness number 115. Before the commencement of the cross-examination, which began at 12.02 pm, KCR held a meeting with the Commission chairman. Stating that he was unwell, he requested a one-on-one cross-examination, which the Commission allowed by passing an order. Though this raised many eyebrows, sources in the Commission said that as KCR was 'unwell', the order was passed. 'That liberty has to be given to him,' a source in the Commission stated. In his 50-minute deposition before the Commission, the former chief minister answered 18 questions.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BRS govt followed engineers' advice, Harish defends Kaleshwaram decisions before probe Ghose panel
Hyderabad: Former irrigation minister T staunchly defended the BRS govt's decisions on Kaleshwaram project, asserting they were backed by technical recommendations, cabinet approvals, and driven by ground realities, including inter-state constraints. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Deposing before the Justice (retired) PC Ghose Commission of Inquiry on Monday, Rao, who held the irrigation portfolio between 2014 and 2018, clarified that the former BRS govt had shifted the source of the Kaleshwaram project from Tummidihatti to Medigadda based on expert committee advice, water availability, and political hurdles with neighbouring Maharashtra. "The Central Water Commission itself said the proposed water availability at Tummidihatti was not feasible. Of the 160 tmcft expected, 63 tmcft had already been allocated to upstream states. The CWC even wrote to the state to reconsider the proposal," Harish Rao said during the 40-minute hearing, conducted in English and Hindi. He supported his statements with a line diagram of the project. He added that an expert committee of retired engineers had also flagged concerns over Tummidihatti's viability. "The idea was to irrigate 16 lakh acres, but even the engineering committee recommended creating artificial reservoirs instead," he said. The ex-minister also highlighted Maharashtra's strong opposition to the barrage at 152 metres elevation due to submergence and local resistance. "Despite several rounds of meetings with Maharashtra ministers and even their then CM Devendra Fadnavis, who candidly remarked that even when the Congress was in power at both state and Centre, they could not push this project through for seven years. How could we have succeeded where they failed, given the local anger," Harish Rao said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now H e maintained that the eventual decision to shift to Medigadda and reconfigure Annaram and Sundilla barrages was guided by a Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) survey and recommendations from both serving and retired engineers. "Even major projects like Nagarjuna Sagar, SRSP, and the recent Kanthanpally saw location changes after field surveys — so such revisions were not unprecedented," he said. On the barrage failures, Harish Rao distanced the political executive from operational decisions. "Filling up of barrages was entirely a decision of field-level engineers and the irrigation department. The govt had no role in that," he claimed. When asked about the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Corporation, Harish Rao confirmed that it was created as a special purpose vehicle to raise project loans. "The initial plan was to generate revenue through water tariffs from industries, but Covid-19 disrupted that. The state then stepped in with budgetary support, and the govt never defaulted," he said. Harish Rao also pointed out that all decisions regarding Kaleshwaram—barrage locations, project structure, and KLIC formation—had cabinet backing. "Some decisions, especially on technical grounds, were made on the advice of engineers. Govts cannot override technical feasibility," he reiterated. His deposition comes at a time when the BRS is under political fire following structural failures in the prestigious Kaleshwaram project, which was often showcased by the party as a symbol of Telangana's irrigation resurgence.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Harish Rao appears before PC Ghose Commission
Former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao on Monday (June 9, 2025) morning appeared before Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Commission of Inquiry on alleged irregularities in the execution of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). He started from Telangana Bhavan — the headquarters of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) — to BRKR Bhavan in Hyderabad accompanied by senior leaders. The Commission has earlier served notices to him, and BRS president & former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, and Eatala Rajender — former Finance Minister and current BJP MP. Mr. Rajender appeared before the Commission on June 6 and said that his role in the project was limited to releasing funds allocated in the budget. Mr. Chandrashekar Rao is likely to appear on Wednesday (June 11, 2025). Mr. Harish Rao through a PowerPoint Presentation on Saturday defended change of location, how the project changed the agriculture landscape of the State, increase in costs and other aspects.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kavitha leads Telangana Jagruthi's Maha Dharna against notices to KCR
Telangana Jagruthi, led by MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, staged a Maha Dharna at Dharna Chowk, Indira Park in Hyderabad on Wednesday (June 4, 2025) against the Justice PC Ghosh Commission of Inquiry's notices to former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. She alleged that the notices were part of a political vendetta targeting KCR. Speaking at the venue of the protest, Ms. Kavitha questioned the rationale behind the notice, asking what wrong KCR had done, particularly in providing water to parched lands and positioning the State at the top in development. She emphasized the magnitude of the Kaleshwaram project, highlighting its extensive infrastructure, including 21 pump houses, 15 reservoirs, and 200 km of tunnels. Ms. Kavitha accused the Congress government of conspiring against the project, which she claimed would provide water to nearly 40 lakh acres and turn Telangana green. She alleged that the State government prioritized commissions and contractors over the State's interests. The BRS MLC demanded that the Congress government in the State write to the Centre to stop the Godavari-Penna linkage project, alleging it was an attempt divert Telangana's water to Andhra Pradesh. She criticised State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for not questioning Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's alleged water theft and expressed disappointment over the silence of the party leaders, including MP Etala Rajender.
Scoop
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Why Is The New Zealand Media Not Questioning The Implications Of The Gene Technology Bill?
Press Release – Lisa Er Despite the profound ethical, environmental, and societal implications, there has been a noticeable lack of critical scrutiny from the mainstream media, says Lisa Er. As the Gene Technology Bill advances through Parliament, New Zealand faces a pivotal moment in science, agriculture, and public health. The proposed legislation would significantly relax restrictions on gene technology, enabling broader research, development, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in New Zealand for the first time in nearly 30 years Yet, despite the profound ethical, environmental, and societal implications, there has been a noticeable lack of critical scrutiny from the mainstream media. 'It is plausible that political and economic factors are influencing the nature and depth of media coverage regarding the Gene Technology Bill,' says Lisa Er, author of a petition to 'halt the progress of the Gene Technology Bill and instead set up a Commission of Inquiry into the health and safety of people and the environment on behalf of citizens, to allow time for wider community and stakeholder consultation.' Key Concerns: Environmental Risks: The Bill paves the way for the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into New Zealand's unique ecosystems, risking irreversible impacts on native species, biodiversity, crops, and the country's global clean, green brand. Lack of Public Consultation: The Government has failed to meaningfully consult with Māori, scientists, and the wider public, ignoring Treaty of Waitangi obligations and indigenous rights, community concerns about food safety, cultural values, and environmental protection. Threat to Export Markets: New Zealand's primary export markets, especially in Europe and Asia, have strict GM-free requirements. The Bill endangers market access and could jeopardize billions in export earnings. Undermining Precaution: The Bill abandons the precautionary principle that has underpinned New Zealand's cautious approach to gene technology, exposing the country to unknown long-term risks. Ignoring International Best Practice: Leading nations are strengthening, not weakening, their oversight of gene technologies in response to new scientific evidence and public concern. Insufficient Public Debate: The bill has generated over 1,500 public submissions, reflecting deep divisions and strong opinions across the country. The removal of labelling GE is of considerable public concern. Why has the minimal media coverage largely focused on official statements and the potential benefits, with little attention paid to the risks, opposition viewpoints, or the broader societal debate that is unfolding in submissions and community discussions? Risk Oversight and Regulatory Gaps: the bill will open the door to unintended consequences, including ecosystem disruption, cross-contamination of crops, and unclear long-term health effects Transparency and Accountability: Some have questioned whether the bill is being rushed or if consultation has been adequate, particularly given the timing of the public submission period over the summer holidays Media outlets have an essential role in holding lawmakers accountable and ensuring transparency in the legislative process, and these risks deserve deeper journalistic investigation and public explanation. A Call to Action for the Media: We urge New Zealand's journalists and editors to fulfil their democratic duty by: – Investigating the full range of concerns about the Gene Technology Bill, including those raised in public submissions. – Highlighting the ethical, cultural, and environmental questions that remain unresolved. – Providing balanced, evidence-based coverage that empowers New Zealanders to make informed decisions about the future of gene technology in their country. 'The Gene Technology Bill represents a generational shift in New Zealand's approach to biotechnology', says Er. 'The public deserves robust, critical journalism that examines not only the promises but also the very real perils of this legislation.' Lisa Er, founder of Lisa's Hummus Issued in the public interest to encourage transparent, balanced, and investigative reporting on a matter of national importance Petition with over 4,000 signatures Petition request: That the House of Representatives halt the progress of the Gene Technology Bill and instead set up a Commission of Inquiry into the health and safety of people and the environment on behalf of citizens, to allow time for wider community and stakeholder consultation. Petition reason: I consider the Gene Technology Bill has failed to follow sound and fair processes by not consulting enough with the public and other stakeholders. I believe there is inadequate consideration of Te Tiriti obligations, and insufficient requirements to protect people and the environment from the risks of GE contamination. A range of gene editing techniques would be excluded from regulation. This would mean GE products would enter the environment and food supply untested, unregistered and unlabeled.
