Latest news with #KaleshwaramProject
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
KTR showcases Telangana's transformative journey at Oxford India Forum in UK
London [United Kingdom], June 21 (ANI): Former Minister and BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) delivered a powerful and inspiring talk at the prestigious Oxford India Forum held at Oxford University, highlighting Telangana's exceptional growth story since its formation. Speaking on the theme 'Governing Innovation - A Telangana Case Study', KTR articulated how India's youngest state has emerged as a beacon of inclusive development, resilience, and economic transformation. In his address, KTR emphasised that Telangana was not created by chance but was the result of decades of peaceful democratic struggle. He referred to it as 'the most successful startup state of independent India' and proudly stated that Telangana has shown not only promise but also consistent delivery of development goals across sectors. He underscored that the formation of the state in 2014 was the culmination of decades of aspiration, and in just a short span, it has transformed into a model state admired across India and globally. KTR highlighted the impressive economic indicators that back Telangana's growth story. The state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has grown from Rs 4 lakh crore to Rs 15 lakh crore, and its per capita income has surged from Rs 1.12 lakh to Rs 3.57 lakh. Telangana has risen from the 12th position in the national economic rankings to among the top in multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry, and technology. However, KTR noted that Telangana's story goes beyond numbers and it is a tale of restoring dignity, empowering citizens, and building a resilient society. He illustrated how bold and innovative decisions led to revolutionary transformations. He pointed to landmark achievements such as the Kaleshwaram Project, the world's largest lift irrigation project, which was completed in a record four years and has dramatically transformed the irrigation landscape, contributing to Telangana becoming the number one state in inland fisheries. He noted that Telangana has provided safe drinking water to all one crore households and eradicated fluorosis. KTR also spoke of the immense strides Telangana has made in attracting global investments. Hyderabad, the state capital, is now home to the world's largest campuses of Amazon and other top global tech companies. The state also houses the world's largest innovation campus, T-Hub, which fosters thousands of startups. Telangana is also a global pharmaceutical hub, producing one-third of the world's vaccines. KTR stressed the importance of legislative reforms such as the TS-iPASS, which guarantees industrial clearances within 15 days or grants automatic approvals, making Telangana the top state in India in the ease of doing business rankings by NITI Aayog. He attributed the state's success to shifting from personality-based governance to process-driven, institutionalised systems that ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Speaking of agriculture, he highlighted the landmark initiative of directly depositing $9 billion into the accounts of 70 lakh farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, the largest of its kind in the world. He described this as a conscious choice to empower farmers with financial autonomy, leading to a phenomenal rise in agricultural output, including a jump in paddy production from 68 lakh metric tons to 3 crore tons in under a decade. During the fireside chat that followed, KTR responded to questions about his personal journey and political choices. He recounted how he left a promising career in the US to support the Telangana statehood movement led by KCR. He admitted that while politics is a challenging and often thankless field, it offers the unmatched reward of affecting meaningful change in people's lives. On the question of replicating Telangana's success in other Indian states, KTR identified two crucial elements: visionary leadership with a clear sense of purpose, and a strong institutional framework that encourages cooperative federalism. He stressed the need for a 'big brother' role from the Union Government in helping states complement each other's strengths rather than compete destructively. KTR also addressed the contentious issue of redistricting and regional disparities in India. He argued that basing the redrawing of Lok Sabha boundaries solely on population would unfairly penalise southern states like Telangana that have effectively implemented population control measures. Instead, he advocated for a GDP-based formula to reward high-performing states and ensure equitable representation in Parliament. When asked about the future priorities if he were to serve as Chief Minister, KTR asserted that economic growth would be his foremost focus. He emphasised the need to continue attracting investments, creating jobs, and expanding the state's economic base while also ensuring welfare measures for vulnerable sections of society. He advocated for a balanced approach that combines growth with compassion, economic expansion paired with inclusive development in health, education, and social welfare. KTR also addressed the question of women's participation in politics. He welcomed the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill and said the mandated one-third reservation would be a game-changer. However, he expressed hope that the country could aim even higher. Acknowledging that women often bring more focus and discipline to leadership roles, he predicted that their increasing participation in politics would significantly accelerate India's progress. At this global forum, KTR reiterated that he was not in Oxford to make a pitch, but to build partnerships. He said Telangana's journey is not just a geographic transformation but a blueprint for hope and aspiration that others could emulate. He invited institutions like Oxford to join hands with Telangana in scripting the next chapter of innovation and inclusive growth. KTR added, 'India is the future, and Telangana will continue to tell its story. This is not just a presentation; it's a promise. We authored a new chapter of Indian democracy, and we are ready to compete with the best in the world.' (ANI)
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Enemies of Telangana': Revanth Reddy hits out at KCR family amid chaos over Kaleshwaram project
Amid ruckus over the alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack against the family of former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing them of being the "true enemies" of the state. The CM said that he would present detailed facts and documents related to the Kaleshwaram Project within two days. He also ruled out the possibility of anyone from the KCR family being inducted into the Congress. "As long as I am in power, there will be no entry for KCR's family into Congress," Reddy said. He further accused Union Minister G Kishan Reddy of obstructing Telangana's development, calling him "the biggest hurdle to the state's progress." "Kishan Reddy is the biggest hurdle to Telangana's progress," Revanth Reddy said. Speaking about BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha's letter to her father, KCR, the Telangana CM labelled it a "film-style drama" for attention. Earlier, Kavitha took potshots at the leaders of her party. Without naming anyone, she said that when her father, KCR, received notices in relation to the Kaleshwaram probe, no plan of action was set up. "When KCR is given notices, there is no action plan. Instead of teaching me, tell me what is your action plan. Twitter tweets are not enough. Shouldn't we be on the ground?" Kavitha said, adding, "During the Delhi liquor policy, when I went to KCR and wanted to resign, he said that they can't face me, and that's why the case has been filed against you." The BRS MLC further criticised people in her party, labelling them "converts." "Is it okay to say there are converts? Coverts should be controlled, and KCR should be protected," Kavitha said, adding, "If BRS is weak, BJP and Congress will become strong." Meanwhile, KCR on Wednesday appeared before the PC Ghosh Commission in connection with alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. Heavy police deployment was witnessed at Hyderabad's BRK Bhavan ahead of his appearance. Previously, BRS MLA and former Irrigation Minister Harish Rao and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who previously served as Finance Minister in the BRS government, appeared before the commission. Justice PC Ghose Commission on Tuesday issued summons to former Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Minister Harish Rao, and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who also served as a minister during the BRS regime, in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). The Commission, which has been probing financial and procedural lapses in the multi-crore irrigation project, directed the three political leaders to appear for questioning in the first week of June.
India Gazette
12-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Enemies of Telangana: Revanth Reddy hits out at KCR family amid chaos over Kaleshwaram project
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 12 (ANI): Amid ruckus over the alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack against the family of former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing them of being the 'true enemies' of the state. The CM said that he would present detailed facts and documents related to the Kaleshwaram Project within two days. He also ruled out the possibility of anyone from the KCR family being inducted into the Congress. 'As long as I am in power, there will be no entry for KCR's family into Congress,' Reddy said. He further accused Union Minister G Kishan Reddy of obstructing Telangana's development, calling him 'the biggest hurdle to the state's progress.' 'Kishan Reddy is the biggest hurdle to Telangana's progress,' Reddy said. Speaking about BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha's letter to her father, KCR, the Telangana CM labelled it a 'film-style drama' for attention. Earlier, Kavitha took potshots at the leaders of her party. Without naming anyone, she said that when her father, KCR, received notices in relation to the Kaleshwaram probe, no plan of action was set up. 'When KCR is given notices, there is no action plan. Instead of teaching me, tell me what is your action plan. Twitter tweets are not enough. Shouldn't we be on the ground?' Kavitha said, adding, 'During the Delhi liquor policy, when I went to KCR and wanted to resign, he said that they can't face me, and that's why the case has been filed against you.' The BRS MLC further criticised people in her party, labelling them 'converts.' 'Is it okay to say there are converts? Coverts should be controlled, and KCR should be protected,' Kavitha said, adding, 'If BRS is weak, BJP and Congress will become strong.' Meanwhile, KCR on Wednesday appeared before the PC Ghosh Commission in connection with alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. Heavy police deployment was witnessed at Hyderabad's BRK Bhavan ahead of his appearance. Previously, BRS MLA and former Irrigation Minister Harish Rao and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who previously served as Finance Minister in the BRS government, appeared before the commission. Justice PC Ghose Commission on Tuesday issued summons to former Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Minister Harish Rao, and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who also served as a minister during the BRS regime, in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). The Commission, which has been probing financial and procedural lapses in the multi-crore irrigation project, directed the three political leaders to appear for questioning in the first week of June. (ANI)
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BRS ridicules Irrigation Minister's repeated attempt to malign Kaleshwaram project with lies
HYDERABAD Senior leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former Minister for Irrigation T. Harish Rao has ridiculed Minister for Irrigation N. Uttam Kumar Reddy for his 'repeated attempts to spread misinformation on Kaleshwaram Project with the belief that people will believe a lie as a fact if told repeatedly'. In a statement, Mr. Harish Rao alleged on Saturday that spreading lies and misinformation on the Kalaeshwaram Project had become the single-point agenda for Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy, as also Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. He questioned the rationale of Mr. Uttam Reddy terming the project as a 'white elephant' while making use of several pump houses and reservoirs constructed as part of the project. Along with documents Mr. Rao reiterated that the Central Water Commission had written to the State government on February 18, 2015 and March 4, 2015 on the non-availability of 160 tmc ft of water planned to be used for the earlier Pranahita-Chevella project at the proposed Tummidihatti Barrage site. Besides, then Maharashtra Chief Minister had written to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart on their opposition to the barrage at Tummidihatti. The Congress government had never attempted to work out an agreement with Maharashtra by convincing the latter for the barrage, though the same party was in power in A.P., Maharashtra and at the Centre from 2007 to 2014. It was the Congress government that had given ₹2,328 crore mobilisation advance to contractors even before taking up the project work. The estimated cost of Pranahita-Chevella started with ₹17,875 crore initially was first revised to ₹38,500 crore in less than two years, and later to ₹40,300 crore. He stated that the Congress government had spent only ₹3,780 crore on Pranahita-Chevella works, including land acquisition against the claims of Mr. Uttam Reddy that ₹10,000 crore was spent. Mr. Harish Rao sought to know why the Congress government had not constructed Tummidihatti Barrage and a gravity canal from Tummidihatti to Yellampally reservoir from 2007 to 2014. He stated that water storage capacity was increased to 141 tmc ft in Kaleshwaram from 16 tmc ft in Pranahita-Chevella. The Kaleshwaram project had created a new ayacut of 3,04,766 acres, including 98,570 acres directly, 39,146 acres by filling 456 minor irrigation tanks with Kaleshwaram canals and another 1,67,050 acres by filling 2,143 minor irrigation tanks with Kaleshwaram water under SRSP Stage-I and Stage-II. 17,08,230 acres of ayacut was stabilised under SRSP Stage-I (Lower Manair Dam), Stage-II and Nizamsagar project and another 20,576 acres under 66 checkdams by diverting Kaleshwaram water to Kudellivagu and Haldivagu.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Experts: Focus on Tummidihatti over Medigadda repairs
Hyderabad: Irrigation experts and intellectuals have urged the Telangana govt to prioritise the Tummidihatti project instead of spending vast sums on repairing the Medigadda barrage, where multiple piers in block 7 have sunk and others have developed cracks. Speaking at a round table discussion titled 'NDSA Final Report–Future of Kaleshwaram Project ,' organised by the Telangana Jala Sadhana Samithi on Thursday, participants described the Kaleshwaram project as one of the most corrupt in the country's history. Irrigation expert PG Sastry, presenting an analysis of the Kaleshwaram project and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report, highlighted that constructing barrages on sand beds poses significant engineering challenges compared to rocky terrain. He said that the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages were all built on sand beds — an inherently unstable foundation for large-scale water storage. "These barrages were designed to hold only 2.5 to 3 tmcft of water, but the previous govt stored far more—16 tmcft in Medigadda, 12 tmcft in Annaram, and 8 tmcft in Sundilla. When such large volumes are stored, the structure functions more like a dam than a barrage. This excessive storage caused serious damage to the spillways and foundation," Sastry explained. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo Jala Sadhana Samithi convenor Nainala Govardhan accused the previous BRS govt of compromising the project under the guise of redesign. He called it one of the biggest scams in independent India and recommended that the govt divert funds towards the Tummidihatti project instead of attempting to salvage Medigadda. Former judge of high court, Justice Chandra Kumar, questioned why no action had been taken against those responsible, even after the NDSA submitted its final report on the Medigadda and other barrages.
