Telangana SLBC tunnel collapse: #KomatireddyMissing trends on social media

Absence of Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy at mishap site draws criticism from different sections, including opposition parties

Hyderabad: Even two days after of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse, the absence of Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy at the mishap site is drawing criticism from different sections, including opposition parties.

Interestingly, it was the R&B Minister who had vowed to complete the SLBC works and provide irrigation water to farmers. In fact, in August last year, Venkat Reddy had visited Robbins Tunnel Boring Machines Manufacturing Company’s headquarters in Ohio, United States, and impressed upon them to provide the main bearings and spare parts for the completion of the project.

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Taking a dig at the Minister, the BRS TechCell posted a picture on X and said: “Two days since workers are stuck in a tunnel at the SLBC and Nalgonda Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy is nowhere to be seen. Zero responsibility…”

Two days since workers are stuck in a tunnel at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal and Nalgonda district minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy is nowhere to be seen.

Zero responsibility! #CongressFailedTelangana pic.twitter.com/gjCvdRWfZZ

— BRS TechCell (@BRSTechCell) February 23, 2025

A few others also shared the Minister’s video on social media platforms in which he is seen slamming former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for delaying the SLBC works. The Minister even charged that the BRS government had delayed the project deliberately worrying that Congress or he would get credit.

“The works will be completed in 24 months. I have already spoken to the company officials. I was directed to visit the United States and interact with the company over the spare designs and by the time, the spare parts would be ready,” Venkat Reddy said in the video from September 20, 2024.

Following the criticism on social media, Venkat Reddy on Sunday evening posted on X saying he was keeping an eye on the rescue operation.

“I am constantly following up on the rescue operation at SLBC inlet, Domalpenta, Nagarkurnool…A concerted effort of the Indian Army and NDRF is augmenting the State government’s relentless operation. Advanced life support equipment, in addition to ancillary rescue machines, is in place to meet any exigencies. Thoughts and prayers are with the team that I have been interacting with on a regular basis and are like family to me..”he said.

I am constantly following up on the rescue operation at SLBC inlet, Domalapenta, Nagarkurnool.

A concerted effort of the Indian Army and NDRF is augmenting the state government’s relentless operation.

Advanced life support equipment, in addition to ancillary rescue machines,…

— Komatireddy Venkat Reddy (@KomatireddyKVR) February 23, 2025