Vigilance Commission recommends ACB probe

Kondapochamma Sagar

metro india news I hyderabad

After nearly 11 months, the Telangana State Vigilance Commission has reportedly acted on allegations concerning the construction of the Kondapochamma Sagar Reservoir and the subsequent changes made to its water-lifting system. According to reliable sources, the Commission has recommended that the state government order a comprehensive investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into the alleged loss of public funds and other irregularities associated with the project.

Vigilance inquiry triggered by complaint

The Vigilance and Enforcement Department launched its investigation following allegations that irregularities amounting to approximately Rs 2,898 crore had occurred during the construction of the Kondapochamma Sagar Reservoir and in the decision to alter the method of lifting water into the reservoir.  Under the leadership of the then Director General of Vigilance and Enforcement, Kothakota Srinivasa Reddy, an official team conducted field inspections and examined various aspects of the project.

Investigators reportedly scrutinized the construction of the reservoir bund, including the type of soil used and its source, while collecting documentary and technical evidence. Based on the findings, the department prepared a list of officials allegedly responsible and submitted a comprehensive report, along with recommendations for action, to the State Vigilance Commission in August 2025. The report concluded that the construction of the reservoir and the changes made to the water-lifting system had allegedly resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 2,898 crore to the public exchequer due to irregularities and procedural violations.

According to sources, the Commission finally forwarded the report to the government during the last week of July, endorsing the recommendations made by the Vigilance and Enforcement Department.

Action recommended against around 30 officials

According to information available, the Vigilance Commission has recommended action against nearly 30 engineers and government officials who were allegedly responsible for the financial loss linked to the reservoir's construction and the revised water-lifting system. Sources indicate that the list includes a former Engineer-in-Chief who was previously caught in ACB raids, as well as a retired official currently serving as an irrigation adviser, in addition to several other engineers and officials..

Recovery from contractors also proposed

The Commission has also reportedly recommended recovering substantial amounts from contracting firms involved in the project. According to sources, it has suggested recovering around Rs 60 crore from one contractor and approximately Rs 70 crore from another.

The Vigilance investigation allegedly found that contractors, officials, and engineers had prepared bills claiming that soil used for constructing the reservoir bund had been transported from distant locations. However, investigators reportedly concluded that the soil had actually been excavated from within the reservoir area itself.Before initiating criminal proceedings, the Commission has reportedly advised the government to entrust the case to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for a comprehensive investigation.

Government yet to decide

The focus has now shifted to the state government, which must determine whether to accept the recommendations and initiate further proceedings. While the government has been proactive in ordering inquiries into allegations of irregularities, critics have argued that the pace of follow-up action has often been slower.

Observers believe that the government's decision on the Vigilance Commission's recommendations will be viewed as a significant test of its commitment to addressing allegations of corruption in major infrastructure projects executed during the previous administration. If accepted, the recommendations could pave the way for a full-fledged Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation, recovery proceedings, and legal action against those found responsible.