Ghose Commission to Resume Inquiry on Kaleshwaram Project from Nov 20

Ghose Commission to Resume Inquiry on Kaleshwaram Project from Nov 20

Hyderabad: The Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Commission is set to resume its inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project, focusing on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, starting November 20.

As part of the process, Justice P.C. Ghose will be based in Hyderabad for two weeks to conduct cross-examinations of IAS and former IAS officers involved in the project.

The Telangana government has extended the Commission's timeline until the end of December to allow sufficient time for the completion of the inquiry and submission of its final report. However, the process faced delays due to the government’s delay in issuing necessary government orders (GOs). Finally, on November 13, the State government issued a G.O extending the Commission's deadline.Sources indicate that Justice Ghose expressed dissatisfaction over the 13-day wait for the required GO.

The Commission has already completed cross-examinations of current and former irrigation department officials, including ENC (Engineer-in-Chief), ex-ENCs, chief engineers, and superintending engineers.

Following the upcoming sessions with IAS and former IAS officers, the Commission plans to summon two key former elected representatives who played significant roles in the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages. The necessary evidence for their examination has already been collected. Summons are expected to be issued by the end of November or the first week of December.

The Commission is preparing to finalise its report in December, aiming to submit it to the State government by the month’s end. The report will provide critical insights and recommendations regarding the execution, financial management, and accountability in the Kaleshwaram Project.