Hyderabad: Former minister T. Harish Rao accused the Telangana government of irrigation negligence. He alleged that the government failed to utilise available river water to fill tanks despite heavy rainfall in upstream states. He made the remarks during a PowerPoint presentation on the Kaleshwaram project at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday.
Harish Rao claimed that nearly 90 per cent of tanks in Warangal district had dried up due to inadequate rainfall. Meanwhile, he alleged that the government released water downstream instead of operating lift irrigation pumps to fill tanks.
According to Harish Rao, the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme pumps normally operate when the water level reaches 71 metres. He claimed the current level stood at 75 metres. Even so, he alleged that officials had not started the pumps.
Irrigation negligence allegations target government
Further, Harish Rao claimed officials had kept more than half of the motors at the Devadula project idle. He described the situation as “criminal negligence” and alleged that the government deliberately avoided lifting available water.
The BRS leader also criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy over their handling of irrigation projects. Additionally, he alleged that the government had adopted a negative approach towards the Kaleshwaram project. He questioned why authorities had not lifted water through the Devadula project.
Harish Rao also challenged the Chief Minister to produce documentary evidence showing that Maharashtra had agreed to a 152-metre Full Reservoir Level at Tummidihatti. He said he would resign as an MLA if the Chief Minister produced such a document. Otherwise, he demanded a public apology.
Finally, Harish Rao criticised the Chief Minister’s recent remarks on the Kaleshwaram project. He said he would respond to each of the government’s claims.
Live: Former Minister, MLA @BRSHarish addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan.https://t.co/pgbgN17iiz
— BRS Party (@BRSparty) July 8, 2026