HYDERABAD: In response to BRS working president KT Rama Rao’s ultimatum that BRS leaders, along with 50,000 farmers, would operate the pump sets of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) if the government fails to act by August 2, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy clarified on Friday that storing water in the project was not feasible.
Minister Reddy explained that the government would only utilize the project components located upstream of the Sripada Yellampalli Project by activating all the motors. He accused Rama Rao of spreading misinformation and suggested that the BRS leader should reconsider his approach, comparing him to Joseph Goebbels.
During a media briefing, Uttam presented a PowerPoint on Kaleshwaram to counter the claims made by BRS legislators during their visit. The presentation highlighted recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
Uttam argued that Rama Rao’s suggestions were technically flawed and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the current situation. Instead of acknowledging past mistakes and issuing an apology, BRS leaders, according to Uttam, have treated the Kaleshwaram project like a mere excursion spot.
He dismissed Rama Rao’s demand to pump floodwaters at Kannepalli as unfounded and technically unsound. 
Potential Catastrophe: Uttam
Uttam warned that pumping water at Kannepalli would necessitate its release to the Annaram barrage. Currently, all gates are open following NDSA recommendations. He noted that Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, which were severely damaged during the BRS regime, are being repaired according to NDSA guidelines.
His presentation referred to an NDSA report dated May 1, which outlined critical issues and recommended urgent measures to prevent further damage to the Kaleshwaram project structures. Key recommendations included maintaining free-flow conditions at all gates of the Medigadda barrage to avoid additional structural damage, completing necessary repairs, conducting comprehensive geophysical and geotechnical tests across the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, and removing and properly compacting the riverbed downstream of the first four rows of concrete blocks.
Uttam emphasized that storing water poses significant risks, including potential breaches that could damage the Sammakka barrage and Sitarama project, submerging the temple town of Bhadrachalam, and flooding several villages.