The P.C. Ghose Judicial Commission investigating allegations of irregularities in the execution of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) which included construction of three barrages and damage caused to them has taken evidence from a group of retired engineers who constituted a committee by the last Government in 2015 about shifting head works site from Tummidihetti to Medigadda.
On that occasion, Anantha Ramulu, the then Chairman of the committee known as retired engineers presented their report they had given to the former government before the commission. Reports have it that these retirees told the court that they had submitted their report to Minister for Irrigation T.Harish Rao and Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao, who at least received it since they did not approve it.
However, it is said that instead of Tummidihetti location, Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao gave Medigadda’s idea to this committee with a request for proposals. Thus, pros and cons of Medigadda site were considered by them while keeping silent on such issues in their first report and informing government again about this according to those who spoke before Commission among whom were old people.
It is thought likely that the Commission sought information on sub-contracting method used by implementing agencies and even intends using Registrar of Companies’ direction towards verification account books and financial statements for contract suppliers showing amounts subcontracted in order to ascertain how much work was done by subcontractors. For example, subcontractors were engaged by major contractors in 15 instances.
Besides assessing affidavits filed by those engineering staff members from Irrigation Department who participated in KLIP decision-making or implementation process, one can expect this body will summon Central Water Commission officials after reviewing such documents. Whether Assistant or Deputy Executive Engineers shall be examined is yet within its discretion.
