KTR alleges Congress conspiracy behind Medigadda barrage damage

HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao has raised suspicions of a Congress conspiracy behind the damage to the Medigadda Barrage pillars.

In an informal chat with media persons at the BRS Legislature Party office, KTR questioned why the barrage, which withstood floods of lakhs of cusecs, would suddenly face issues just before the elections.

KTR suggested that any future damage to the barrage should be seen as a result of this alleged conspiracy. He hinted at the involvement of certain ministers with connections that could influence the barrage's condition. He accused the Congress government of attempting to evade responsibility for the Kaleshwaram Project by using the NDSA report as an excuse to not lift water.

Despite the challenges, KTR expressed relief that water was finally being lifted from Ellampalli, though he noted that lifting just 2 TMC of water was insufficient. He criticized the government for letting pride obstruct the lifting of water from the Kannepalli Pump House, aiming to portray the Kaleshwaram Project as a failure.

KTR highlighted that during his recent visit to Medigadda, the barrage withstood a flow of 10 lakh cusecs and could handle up to 28 lakh cusecs. He dismissed the NDSA report, calling it an NDA report, and accused both Congress and BJP of having a unified stance against Kaleshwaram.

He questioned the absence of the NDSA report when the Polavaram cofferdam was washed away and lamented the wastage of 90 TMC of water in the Godavari, equivalent to the Sriram Sagar Project's capacity. KTR urged the government to lift water from the Kannepalli Pump House, emphasising that there was no alternative.

KTR criticised the government for politicising the issue and stressed that Kaleshwaram was an insurance against drought, especially with the state experiencing a 40% rainfall deficit. He questioned whether the cost of electricity for lifts was more important than providing water to farmers.

He pointed out the significant expenditure on drinking water in the Gulf and defended the Kaleshwaram Project's multiple benefits. KTR also criticised those lamenting the project's costs while proposing a Rs. 1.5 lakh crore Musi River cleaning project, questioning its benefits and potential corruption.

KTR announced plans to discuss with the former Chief Minister after August 2 how to release water from the Kannepalli Pump House. He mentioned that engineers confirmed water could be lifted even with the barrage gates open and criticised the government's plan to lift water in September as incorrect.

Reflecting on past elections, KTR admitted that despite building a major project like Kaleshwaram, they failed to effectively publicise their achievements, leading to electoral defeat. He also blamed MIM's pressure to change the Metro alignment for the Old City Metro Project's delay.

KTR criticised the CM's approach in the Assembly, suggesting it sent a wrong message to investors and questioned how the state would attract investments if the Chief Minister saw scams everywhere. He challenged Revanth Reddy to investigate any alleged scams, including the distribution of one crore Bathukamma sarees.

He defended the affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court regarding Shah Wali Dargah and questioned Revanth Reddy's differing stance. KTR also discussed the Airport Metro Project, emphasising that the proposed route would not face land acquisition issues.

KTR accused the government of only changing names and doing nothing substantial, likening it to the HYDRA. He claimed to know the activities of the CM's brothers and threatened to expose everything when necessary.

He criticised the government's handling of the Musi River cleaning project, alleging a tenfold increase in costs and expressing a desire for the government to complete its full term.

KTR also addressed the issue of installing meters on motors, accusing the government of failing to provide clarity. He criticised the CM for not achieving anything substantial with the UDAY scheme and for misleading the public about agreements related to motor meters during the COVID-19 period.

The BRS Working President announced that he would be available at Telangana Bhavan every day from 10 AM to 2 PM after the Assembly sessions.KTR alleges Congress conspiracy behind Medigadda barrage damage