కాళేశ్వరం ప్రాజెక్టు సులువుగా: ప్రయోజనాలు, ఖర్చులు, వివాదాలు

Kaleshwaram project explained simply: Benefits, costs and controversies

"Kaleswaram" is one of the most talked about names in Telangana politics in the last decade. On one hand, it is being touted as one of the largest lift irrigation projects in the world, and on the other, there are allegations of corruption and construction defects. We explain what this project really is so that the general reader can understand.

Problem — River below, fields above

The area where the Godavari River enters Telangana is very low above sea level. But the Telangana districts where water is needed are at a very high altitude. That is why water does not flow there by gravity. The solution — lifting the water up in stages with huge pumps. This is called a "lift irrigation scheme".

Project history

There was a plan to build a barrage at Tummidihetti in the united state under the name of Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanti. After the formation of Telangana, the project was redesigned due to water availability there and flooding problems with Maharashtra. It was decided to lift water from Medigadda near Kaleshwaram after Pranahita joins Godavari. The inauguration of the project was held on June 21, 2019.

How does it work?

1. Medigadda (Lakshmi Barrage): The first barrage on the Godavari. The water stagnating here is lifted up using pumps.

2. Annaram (Saraswati Barrage), Sundilla (Parvati Barrage): Intermediate barrages that take water upstream in stages.

3. Yellampally, Mid Maneru, and above: From there, new reservoirs like Mallanna Sagar and Kondapochamma Sagar will be reached through tunnels, canals, and huge pump houses.

In total, the water is lifted hundreds of meters high. This requires a lot of electricity — the electricity bill is a large part of the project's operating costs.

The goals stated by the government

• Irrigation for lakhs of acres and stabilization of existing ayacut.

• Drinking water for Hyderabad city and villages.

• Water for industries.

• Increase in groundwater levels by filling ponds.

BRS says the project has increased groundwater and rice cultivation area in some areas.

Criticism

• Cost: Reports suggest that the estimated cost of the project has increased several times and has reached the lakh crore mark. Most of it has been financed through loans.

• Usage: Critics say that the amount of water lifted and the actual acres irrigated are not as advertised.

• Electricity burden: Huge electricity cost for pumping every season.

• Flooding, displaced people: Concerns over relocation of villages for new reservoirs and compensation.

Medigadda Incident (2023)

In October 2023, some pillars of the Medigadda Barrage collapsed. Problems were also revealed in the Annaram Barrage. A team of experts from the National Dam Safety Agency (NDSA) examined the project and pointed out flaws in design, construction and maintenance. The new government has appointed a judicial inquiry commission into the project. The BRS, however, argues that this is a political partisan effort and that it is not right to portray the entire project as a failure because of one barrage issue.

Conclusion

Kaleshwaram is a symbol of Telangana's water aspirations, and at the same time a lesson in the importance of transparency and quality in large projects. The results of the investigations and the repairs of the barrages will determine the future of this project. The ultimate goal of any government should be to provide water to farmers.

Photo: Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)