Kaleshwaram Project: Controversy in India
Kaleshwaram Project: Boon or Boondoggle? Controversy Surrounds Ambitious Irrigation Scheme
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a significant irrigation and water supply project in Telangana, India. However, it has been embroiled in controversy due to several factors.
One of the primary concerns is the project’s escalating costs, which have increased from an initial estimate of Rs 38,500 crore to Rs 1.20 lakh crore. The project’s financial viability has also been called into question, as the electricity cost of using massive pumps to lift water from the Godavari River is significantly high, making the cost of irrigation per acre very high.
Another issue is the potential environmental impact of the project, including the displacement of over 15,000 people and the long-term sustainability of the project due to its impact on the already stressed Godavari River.
Furthermore, there have been allegations of corruption and engineering lapses in the project, with the Bharatiya Rashtravadi Samanata Party (BRS) government in Telangana being accused of indulging in corruption and poor quality of project work. The BJP and Congress have also criticized the project, with the BJP calling for a CBI probe into the project and the Congress accusing the BRS government of corruption.
In response to these criticisms, the BRS government has maintained that the project is being built with the help of the same contractors that were engaged in the Pranahita Chevella project and has denied any wrongdoing.
In summary, the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project has been mired in controversy due to its escalating costs, potential environmental impact, allegations of corruption, and engineering lapses. These issues have led to political debates and protests, with various parties accusing the BRS government of mismanagement and corruption.
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