NGT red-flags Kaleshwaram project

Declaring the environmental clearance (EC) granted to the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation system in Telangana as ex post facto (retroactive, after it is done) and illegal, the National Green Tribunal has directed the Telangana government to stop all work, except the drinking water component of the project, until further orders.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation System is considered to be one of the world’s largest multi-purpose projects.

It is designed to provide water for irrigation and drinking purposes to about 45 lakh acres in 20 of the 31 districts in Telangana, apart from Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Telangana will harness water at the confluence of two rivers with Godavari by constructing a barrage at Medigadda in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district and reverse pump the water into the main Godavari River.

The project has set many records with the world’s longest water tunnels, aqueducts, underground surge pools, and biggest pumps.

The cost of the project is Rs 80,000 crore, but is expected to rise to Rs 1 lakh crore by the time it is completely constructed by the end of 2020.