N. Uttam Kumar Reddy Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
HYDERABAD
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Saturday announced that work on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project had resumed last week and during the last week about 20 meters of the tunnel was excavated from the Devarakonda side, where the work remained stopped for the past seven years.
He reviewed the progress of work with senior officials of the Irrigation Department on mobilization of manpower, equipment and tentative completion dates for Tunnel-I and Tunnel-II. Worked with project officials on safety protocols that were followed at the site and measures initiated to address ventilation and drainage issues at the site in the tunnels.
The minister said that men and material were mobilized at the site in large numbers and about seven mining cycles from the Devarakonda end (output side) were successfully completed. The work, which involves advanced tunneling methods, has been carefully monitored using observation techniques that ensure safety through precise drilling protocols and the installation of additional supports. He noted that the implementing agency has deployed specialized equipment to address anticipated ventilation issues deep inside the tunnel and is expected to speed up the pace of excavation. Work on the inlet side will also start soon, preparations including a 20-meter open cut and other safety installations are already underway.
Uttam Reddy said the agency is importing electrical and ventilation equipment to further increase efficiency with full operations likely to be commissioned within a fortnight and said the 44 km long SLBC tunnel to irrigate drought-prone areas in Nalgonda and provide drinking water to fluoride-affected areas is under construction from both ends (entrance at Srisaalavaranda/D).
However, progress came to a halt after a tragic roof collapse on February 22 last year near the entrance side. The minister emphasized that safety remains paramount in addition to compliance with timetables. He tasked officials to ensure round-the-clock work with strict protocols.
Groundbreaking is intended by the end of next year (2027) with full commissioning by June 2028, the minister said optimistically. This renewed push follows earlier decisions to move from Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) methods, which were deemed unsuitable due to geological issues, to safer observation-based techniques.
A specialized division has been created to closely monitor the project. The SLBC tunnel is a critical part of the irrigation infrastructure in Telangana, which aims to utilize more than 3 lakh acres of ayacut, besides helping to augment drinking water resources in the region.
Published – 28 Feb 2026 21:50 IST
