Harish Rao slams Uttam Kumar Reddy over NDSA report, defends Kaleshwaram project

LatestPoliticsTelangana
By HNH Web Desk 1
Harish Rao

Hyderabad: Former Minister T. Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, accusing him of political hypocrisy and misinformation over the recent National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report on the Kaleshwaram project. Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday, Harish Rao questioned Congress’s shifting stance and defended the BRS government’s irrigation initiatives.

Harish Rao mocked Uttam Kumar Reddy for repeatedly invoking the NDSA report in press briefings while failing to present any substantive arguments. He said Reddy merely recycled old political rhetoric without clarity or factual backing, likening his speeches to “noisy but hollow outbursts”.

Highlighting inconsistencies, Harish Rao recalled that Uttam Kumar Reddy had opposed the NDSA Bill in Parliament, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of state rights. “The same man now treats the NDSA report as gospel,” Rao said, questioning how a report once denounced could now be used to attack BRS.

He clarified that the NDSA report does not mention any corruption in the construction of the Medigadda barrage, despite Congress’s attempts to frame it that way. Rao expressed concern over Reddy’s efforts to misrepresent facts and stir public sentiment without evidence.

Refuting allegations of mismanagement, Harish Rao presented a timeline of efforts made by the BRS government. He said that the original Thummidi Hatti site, proposed under the Congress regime, was rejected after multiple Central Water Commission (CWC) letters stated it lacked sufficient water flow and long-term viability.

Rao stated that it was only after thorough technical evaluations by institutions like WAPCOS that the project was shifted to Medigadda, where 220 TMC of water availability was confirmed and approved by the CWC. “The CWC granted permissions, and we secured central funding—how could a corrupt project get such clearance?” he asked.

Harish Rao dismissed claims that costs had ballooned unjustifiably, explaining that the increase in ayacut, storage capacity, and lifting capacity naturally pushed up project expenses. He noted that the Kaleshwaram project now supports irrigation, drinking water, and industrial needs, covering more than double the ayacut originally envisaged.

Targeting Congress’s own record, Harish Rao said tenders were called for the Pranahitha-Chevella project in 2007 before even preparing a DPR, and massive advance payments were issued to contractors. He alleged that Congress’s inefficiency and greed led to the project’s failure and eventual redesign.

He accused Uttam Kumar Reddy of resorting to falsehoods and of lacking both technical understanding and political ethics. Rao also criticised the present Congress-led state government for failing to repair Medigadda promptly and for allowing the irrigation department to deteriorate, with many key posts lying vacant.

Harish Rao urged the government to focus on repairing the project swiftly rather than indulging in political vendettas. “We are ready to face any discussion, even in AICC, not just the Cabinet,” he said. “But don’t strangle farmers’ futures in the name of politics.”

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