Kaleshwaram probe panel's term extended

As per the original orders, the term of the commission was to end on June 30. Saturday’s orders said the term will now end on August 31.

The commission was set up to probe the alleged irregularities and Justice Ghose has visited the three barrages and held a series of meetings with irrigation department officials, as well as representatives of the three agencies that built the barrages – Navayuga that built the Sundilla barrage, Afcons that constructed the Annaram barrage, and L&T, which built the barrage at Medigadda, all three on the Godavari river.

During its previous sittings, the commission had said that those who met with it must submit affidavits by June 28. With the commission yet to hold more hearings, Justice Ghose had previously said that the inquiry will require more time for completing its work, preparation of its report to submit to the government.

Justice Ghose is expected to resume the commission’s work from July 5. In the next phase, the commission could summon those involved in the decision-making process with respect to planning and executing the Kaleshwaram project, of which the three barrages are key structures.

Meanwhile, irrigation department officials have said that interim flood protection works recommended by the NDSA have been completed at Medigadda barrage, which could see early increased monsoon flows as it is located after the confluence of Pranahita river with Godavari. Officials said that the construction and repair equipment at Medigadda was being moved from the upstream and downstream sides of the barrages as the water levels there are rising slowly.

The works at Sundilla and Annaram are expected to be completed soon. Concerns over sudden rise in flood in the river are said to be lesser at these barrages as these barrages are located downstream of the Sripada Yellampalli reservoir, which could act as a cushion when water levels begin to rise in Godavari.