Uttam announces exclusive division to oversee SLBC tunnel construction

HYDERABAD

The State government has constituted an exclusive division to fast track the execution of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, as part of a renewed push to expedite major irrigation works.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on Wednesday, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to accelerate both ongoing and upcoming irrigation projects, including the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS). He said the Chief Minister had assured uninterrupted funding to ensure timely completion of key irrigation initiatives.

Placing the SLBC tunnel project at the top of the government’s priority list, the Minister announced the formation of a dedicated division exclusively for supervising and executing tunnel works. He informed the meeting that the wreckage of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which had remained stuck inside the tunnel, had now been dismantled and removed clearing the deck for faster progress. Maintenance and repair of rail tracks within the tunnel are currently underway.

Reviewing the proposed Tummidihetti barrage, the Minister said that investigations and survey activities for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) were advancing swiftly.

On PRLIS, he instructed Principal Secretary (Irrigation) Rahul Bojja to personally monitor regular reviews and ensure steady progress on all priority works.

Regarding the Kaleshwaram project’s barrages, the Minister noted that the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, had submitted its site inspection report along with a proposed work schedule for the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. He directed that rehabilitation designs for all three barrages be completed within one month, without exception.

Expressing concern over heavy sedimentation affecting multiple irrigation structures, the Minister asked all Executive Engineers to submit desiltation proposals immediately. He stressed that the issue had reached serious proportions and must be addressed on priority.