Telangana Cabinet to Review KLIS Report Amid Growing Concerns Over Project Execution

The Telangana government is set to hold a high-level cabinet meeting to discuss the long-awaited report submitted by retired Supreme Court judge P.C. Ghose on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS). The project, once hailed as a lifeline for the state’s irrigation needs, is now facing scrutiny over financial and structural concerns that could have long-term implications.

KLIS Under the Microscope
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme was launched with the aim of transforming Telangana’s agriculture landscape by diverting water from the Godavari River to arid regions of the state. It was promoted as one of the most ambitious and expensive irrigation projects in India.

However, questions have been raised in recent months regarding the efficiency of its execution, inflated costs, and engineering faults. The P.C. Ghose Committee was appointed to assess these issues and recommend further action.

What’s in the Report
While the contents of the report have not been made public yet, sources indicate that it highlights irregularities in project planning and financial mismanagement. It is also expected to raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of the project’s infrastructure, particularly in relation to the pump houses and reservoir construction.

The cabinet’s meeting is expected to review these findings and take a call on whether to initiate further technical audits or seek accountability from past officials involved in the project’s implementation.

Why This Matters for Telangana
KLIS is not just a political project—it affects lakhs of farmers, especially in districts like Karimnagar, Siddipet, and Nizamabad. Any delay or failure in the scheme’s functioning can directly impact water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes across rural Telangana.

In Tier 2 cities and agrarian belts, local communities have been raising concerns about inconsistent water supply, despite the massive investment. The state’s credibility on managing large-scale infrastructure is also at stake.

Political Implications
The current Congress-led government has made it clear that transparency and accountability in public projects are high on its agenda. At the same time, the KLIS issue remains politically sensitive as it was a flagship initiative of the previous BRS government.

Any strong action based on the Ghose report could lead to a political face-off, especially if financial discrepancies are officially acknowledged.

Conclusion
As the cabinet meets to discuss the findings of the P.C. Ghose report, all eyes are on the state leadership to ensure that the Kaleshwaram project serves its original purpose without being bogged down by controversies. For the farmers and citizens of Telangana, what matters now is not just political accountability but a reliable and functioning irrigation system.