Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said work on the SLBC tunnel project has resumed, with excavation progressing at the Devarkonda end. He reviewed the project and said full operations will pick up soon, with completion targeted by 2028
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to coordinate with technical institutions and design teams to accelerate rehabilitation works on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme barrages. He stressed the need for aligning CWPRS testing schedules with project designers to ensure timely validation.
The NGRI is close to completing its helicopter-borne electromagnetic survey of the unfinished stretches of the SLBC Tunnel Project. A comprehensive 3D map with high-resolution visualisations will be submitted to the government by month-end, providing crucial data to resume construction.
Former Minister G. Jagadish Reddy launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Telangana government, accusing it of compromising the state's interests in Krishna river water sharing. He challenged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to a public debate and criticised the SLBC tunnel survey as political theatre.
Almost all national and state agencies deployed in the operation following the February 22 roof collapse have been withdrawn. Only skeletal staff are now monitoring and managing the tunnel infrastructure
A section of the SLBC tunnel collapsed on February 22, trapping eight workers inside. Around 600 personnel from 12 different departments are engaged in the rescue operations.
Skilled rathole miners courageously entered the tunnel in an effort to rescue the eight trapped workers. They managed to reach the tunnel's zero point but found no sign of the missing workers or engineers. The entire passage, obstructed by debris and waterlogging, was filled with a foul odor, suggesting a potentially grim outcome.
The tunnel has been the site of intense operations involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency teams
In last 36 hours, despite exhaustive efforts to reach the trapped workers and engineers, rescue teams have been unable to establish contact with any of the eight members lost deep within tunnel
The teams are meticulously clearing soil mounds and concrete debris from inside the tunnel. Special measures have been implemented to drain water from the accident site. However, ongoing efforts to rescue the eight trapped workers have been significantly hindered by mud blockages.
She expressed deep concern over the accident that took place shortly after work resumed. Kavitha described the tunnel roof collapse and the resulting injuries to the workers as highly unfortunate. She also pointed out that during K. Chandrashekhar Rao’s tenure as Chief Minister, a 10-kilometre stretch of the tunnel was excavated without any such incidents.
The project, initially known as the Srisailam Left Bank Canal Tunnel Project, has been on cards since 1983. But the works on the project commenced only in 2006.
