Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced a renewed commitment to the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project, promising its completion under the current Congress government. This vital project is designed to deliver 30 TMC of water, irrigating a substantial 3 lakh acres, despite facing years of neglect and political hurdles.
Speaking from Mannevaripalli in Nagarkurnool district during a press conference, the Chief Minister sharply criticized the previous BRS government. He highlighted that while the BRS administration spent an astounding ₹1.86 lakh crore on contracts, with ₹1.05 lakh crore specifically allocated to the Kaleshwaram project, it regrettably failed to complete any significant project on the Krishna River. Reddy emphasized, “Because we didn’t take our rightful share of Krishna water, Andhra Pradesh has been diverting it.”
He further elaborated on the project’s stagnation: “By 2014, several kilometers of SLBC tunnel work had already been completed. Yet, in the ten years following Telangana’s formation, less than ten additional kilometers were finished.” The Chief Minister directly accused former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao of intentionally sidelining the SLBC project for their own political gain.
“This project is absolutely essential for the well-being of the people in Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar. If we fail to complete it now, it might never see the light of day. Regardless of the challenges we face, we are determined to finish the SLBC tunnel. Our people will not forgive us if we falter,” Reddy asserted.
The Chief Minister pointed out the sheer scale of the undertaking, noting that once completed, the 40-kilometer SLBC tunnel will be the longest of its kind globally. He also highlighted the escalating costs, stating, “At that time [when it was initially sanctioned], the project could have been completed for ₹2,000 crore. Now, with updated estimates, it will require ₹4,600 crore to finish.”
Reddy reflected on the project’s history, recalling that the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy initiated work on Tunnel-1 and Tunnel-2 of the SLBC project in 2004, back when Telangana was part of united Andhra Pradesh. Tenders worth ₹1,968 crore were issued, and a Tunnel Boring Machine was deployed – a first for India in such a project.
Despite the recent tragic loss of eight workers during the project’s execution, the government remains resolute in its commitment to completing the tunnel.
Chief Minister Reddy acknowledged the crucial contributions of Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, praising his experience and contacts from his Army background, which are proving instrumental in accelerating the project’s progress. He reiterated his criticism of the BRS, urging them to accept their past failures instead of issuing what he called “frivolous statements.”
The Congress government has also taken on the full responsibility for the rehabilitation of residents from villages that will be submerged, including Marlapadu, Keshya Tanda, and Nakkalagandi Tanda. The Chief Minister pledged to resolve all related issues by December 31.
Launching the Aerial Electromagnetic Survey
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Reddy departed by helicopter from Begumpet to personally oversee the launch of a critical Aerial Electromagnetic Survey for the SLBC tunnel works. Accompanied by Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, he arrived at Mannevari Palli in Achampet mandal, where the specialized survey helicopter was prepared with its advanced instruments.
The Chief Minister and his accompanying ministers thoroughly inspected the sophisticated equipment before formally flagging off the survey with a green flag and the take-off signal. This high-tech survey, supervised by the esteemed National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), will commence near the SLBC outlet, close to Mannevari Palli. To observe the process firsthand from the air, the Chief Minister’s helicopter flew parallel to the survey helicopter for several kilometers.
The heli-borne magnetic survey utilizes a special transmitter attached to the helicopter to gather extensive geological data, reaching depths of up to 1,000 meters. Its primary objective is to pinpoint underground shear zones and understand water flow patterns, which are absolutely vital for the effective planning and successful execution of the SLBC tunnel works.