Hyderabad: BJP MP and former Finance Minister Eatala Rajender concluded his testimony before the Kaleshwaram Commission, which is investigating the massive irrigation project. Eatala, who held the finance portfolio during the project’s critical phases, stated that all major information and decisions regarding Kaleshwaram rest with former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and former Water Resources Minister Harish Rao.
Speaking to reporters post-hearing, Eatala clarified that the Finance Department’s role was minimal and that he had no direct involvement in project execution. He highlighted that KCR had formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Harish Rao to redesign the project. Technical experts handled construction of the Anakattas (barrages), while politicians had no say in technical matters.
Initially estimated at Rs 63,000 crore, the project’s cost escalated to Rs 82,000 crore due to multiple factors. Eatala stressed that the Finance Department was not involved in loans taken by the Kaleshwaram Corporation, which falls under the irrigation department’s domain.
He urged transparency from the previous Congress government and cautioned against politicizing the issue, stating, “Kaleshwaram is former Chief Minister KCR’s prized project, and accountability should be fixed on those responsible for losses.” Emphasizing moral responsibility over party lines, Eatala said strict action must be taken where due.
Regarding project specifics, Eatala informed the commission that decisions on barrage construction followed cabinet approvals based on recommendations from technical committees. He noted the project location was shifted from Tammidihatti to Medigadda following objections from the Central Water Commission and Maharashtra. Funding constraints led to the creation of the Kaleshwaram Corporation, and the Detailed Project Report included plans to recover costs from industrial and drinking water users. When questioned about financial discipline in construction, Eatala maintained that such matters were managed by the Water Resources Department.