Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday alleged that deep-rooted corruption was behind the shifting of the water intake point of the Palamuru–Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) from Jurala to Srisailam. He said the decision caused serious injustice to Telangana and was taken without proper Cabinet approval during the previous BRS regime. The government, he asserted, would expose all irregularities linked to major irrigation projects.

The chief minister made these remarks during a meeting where Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy gave a detailed presentation on Krishna river water issues to ministers and Congress legislators. Revanth questioned the sharp escalation in PRLIS costs and said an investigation was needed to determine who benefited from the change in the project’s source and expenditure of public funds.

Inviting former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) to attend the Assembly, Revanth said he was ready for an open discussion on Krishna water sharing and future strategies. He said KCR could either participate in the debate or submit written suggestions. The chief minister alleged that the former CM was avoiding the Assembly due to fear of documentary evidence being tabled.

Also Read: From Reformer to Convict: Najib Razak’s Fall from Power in Malaysia’s Main 1MDB Corruption Trial

Revanth also accused the BRS leadership of weakening Telangana’s position in Krishna water sharing after state bifurcation. He said an interim arrangement signed earlier had resulted in Telangana receiving less water than it deserved. Citing catchment area and water availability principles, he argued that Telangana was entitled to a significantly larger share of Krishna waters.

Highlighting PRLIS-specific issues, Revanth said the project cost increased from ₹32,200 crore to ₹84,000 crore after its scope was expanded. He alleged that no detailed project report was prepared for years to avoid scrutiny and claimed that the project was later misclassified to bypass regulatory hurdles. Similar practices, he alleged, were followed in the Kaleshwaram project as well.

The chief minister added that the present government has sought Union approval to utilise additional water for PRLIS, which could unlock nearly ₹50,000 crore in central financial assistance. He said this would strengthen irrigation infrastructure and allow the state to raise loans at lower interest rates. Revanth maintained that his government was committed to correcting past mistakes and safeguarding Telangana’s water rights.

Also Read: Pakistan Court Sentences Imran Khan and his Wife to 17 Years in Toshakhana Case