Telangana Cabinet Concerned by BRS Govt’s Power Sector Irregularities
Hyderabad: The state Cabinet, in its meeting held at the Secretariat on Saturday, deliberated extensively on the findings of a judicial commission, led by retired Justice Madan B. Lokur, official sources said.
The commission’s report detailed alleged irregularities in power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Chhattisgarh government and in the construction of the Yadadri Thermal Power Plant by the BRS regime.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reportedly tabled the judicial commission's report for discussion in the Cabinet meeting. Official sources revealed that the Cabinet has decided to refer the report to the Advocate General for legal opinion. Based on his advice, the state government is expected to initiate action against those implicated in the irregularities.
The commission’s report alleged that flawed decisions by the BRS government concerning PPAs and the Yadadri power plant had resulted in substantial financial losses to the state exchequer over the past nine years.
Cabinet members reportedly expressed concern that these irregularities could lead to even greater financial losses if not addressed on a priority basis.
The meeting reportedly stressed the need for strict action against those identified as being responsible for the financial mismanagement.
"This issue must be taken seriously, and those responsible for causing significant losses to the exchequer should face severe consequences," the Cabinet is said to have agreed.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet has decided to rename the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy lift irrigation scheme after the late Union minister S. Jaipal Reddy in recognition of his contributions to the state. The Singur project canal will now bear the name of the late minister Rajanarsimha, father of incumbent minister Damodar Rajanarsimha.
To address irrigation challenges in Mahbubnagar district, the Cabinet approved the constitution of a technical expert committee. This panel will examine alternatives for providing irrigation water from Jurala project to new ayacut areas in the district.
It will assess water availability, explore options for enhancing water usage from existing sources and determine the feasibility of constructing new reservoirs.
In a move to secure Hyderabad’s long-term water needs, the Cabinet has approved Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Godavari drinking water supply scheme. The project, which transfers water from Mallannasagar, will now deliver 20 tmc ft of water instead of the previously planned 15 tmc ft, ensuring sufficient drinking water supply for the city in the future.
The Cabinet also gave its nod to upgrade Kothagudem municipality to a municipal corporation.
Govt receives judicial panel report, to punish all involved in PPA and Yadadri power plant frauds
