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The CAG of India said that the project cost of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project in Telangana is likely to exceed ₹1.47 lakh crore.
The cost was understated in the Detailed Project Report due to preparation of estimates at old price levels and non-inclusion of provision for price escalation.
This, coupled with subsequent changes made in the works, resulted in the cost of works increasing.
Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is a multi-stage lift irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally District, Telangana.
The project is the world's largest lift irrigation project, with a capacity to lift 240 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water per year. It was inaugurated in 2019.
The project consists of 19 pump houses, 12 barrages, 20 reservoirs, and 7 canals.
The water is lifted from the Godavari River at Medigadda and then pumped through a series of canals to irrigate land in 13 districts of Telangana.
The project has been controversial, with critics arguing that it is environmentally damaging and economically unsustainable.
The government of Telangana has defended the project, arguing that it is essential for the state's food security.
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is a major engineering feat and a significant achievement for the state of Telangana.
It remains to be seen whether the project will be able to achieve its objectives of providing irrigation and drinking water to the state's population.
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