Revanth dismisses BRS demand to operate Kaleshwaram pumps, cites lack of flood waters

Despite a substantial flow of water downstream at Medigadda, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday sought to defend the State government’s decision not to operate the Kannepally pump house, contending that there was neither adequate rainfall in the catchment area nor floodwaters in the River Godavari to justify lifting water.

Participating in a meeting where a presentation on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme was made at Praja Bhavan, the Chief Minister attributed the situation to the impact of El Niño. “Due to the El Niño effect, there were no rains and no floodwaters. How can water be lifted to the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages?” he asked.

The presentation was delivered by Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy to around 200 elected representatives from the Congress. A similar presentation had earlier been conducted on July 9, 2025.

Revanth Reddy said the Kaleshwaram project was designed to lift nearly two tmcft



of floodwater every day from the Godavari and store it for irrigation purposes. He accused the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of misleading farmers in north Telangana by claiming that water could be lifted from Medigadda despite the absence of adequate inflows.

“When there is no rain and no water, how can there be floods? Even if there is some flow, what is the scope for lifting water?” he asked, reiterating that the government remained committed to repairing the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages and restoring them to operation.

The Chief Minister also challenged BRS president K Chandrashekhar Rao to present his views on the Kaleshwaram project and suggest remedial measures.

“If he writes to the Speaker, we will convene a joint session of the Assembly and the Council. Experts will also be invited. He should explain how the repairs should be carried out, and he will be given an opportunity to do so,” Revanth Reddy said.