Hyderabad: The SLBC tunnel safety report was submitted by the National Geophysical Research Institute to State Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy to guide completion strategy and ensure worker safety.
NGRI Chief Scientist H. V. S. Satyanarayana handed over the report during a review meeting on Friday. The report assessed structural integrity and subsurface conditions of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel works.
SLBC tunnel safety report highlights risks and measures
Officials said the study used advanced techniques such as seismic imaging and electrical resistivity tomography. These methods helped detect anomalies not visible through conventional inspections.
The report identified stress zones, seepage patterns, and concerns over tunnel roof stability. It also explained factors behind the roof collapse reported on February 22, 2025.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government would prioritise worker safety during project execution. He added that scientific inputs from the SLBC tunnel safety report would guide decisions on completion.
The Minister asked officials to speed up work by mobilising equipment from domestic and overseas sources. He noted that 151.50 metres of tunnel excavation had been completed after work resumed.
Officials said new machinery, including electric loaders and heavy dumpers, had been deployed. They added that excavation could reach 200 metres from each side per month soon.
Meanwhile, the Minister sought NGRI’s support for soil investigations at Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram project. He said authorities would review the SLBC tunnel safety report and act on its recommendations.