Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced a ₹4,600 crore plan to finish the long-pending Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. He described it as one of the world’s most advanced infrastructure projects. The government will complete it using cutting-edge tunneling and geo-survey technologies.
During a visit to Achampet in Nagarkurnool district, the CM confirmed that full compensation and rehabilitation (R&R) packages will be delivered by December 31. These will benefit residents of Marlapadu, Keshya Tanda, and Jogya Tanda—villages fully submerged by Cyclone Midhili. He also said funds will be released for road repairs in Devarakonda-Achampet border areas, which regularly suffer from flood damage.
SLBC tunnel to use India’s first aerial geo-survey
The tunnel project will move forward with a magnetic geophysical survey, conducted by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI). Using helicopter-mounted transmitters, this three-day aerial survey marks a first for India. The 44-kilometre tunnel passes through dense forest and will be constructed under the guidance of tunneling experts, including retired Army Chief Engineer Haripal Singh.
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the project, stalled for over 20 years, will now be completed within two years. Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy added that this effort will end Nalgonda’s fluoride crisis and boost regional water access.
CM Revanth accused the previous KCR administration of deliberately sidelining the SLBC project. He said former leaders gave preference to the Rayalaseema lift scheme and paid ₹186 crore to contractors despite incomplete work.
Relief and road links for cyclone-hit villages
Achampet MLA Dr. Vamshikrishna requested the CM to approve new roads for 15 flood-prone villages and ensure complete R&R packages for affected residents. Revanth Reddy agreed, noting the prior government’s failure to act during similar crises.
The CM reiterated that the tunnel, once completed, will irrigate three lakh acres and supply 30 TMC of drinking water. He also affirmed Telangana’s legal efforts in the Krishna Tribunal and Supreme Court to protect its rightful water share from the Krishna basin.
Ministers, MLAs, senior district officials, police, and irrigation engineers attended the high-level review meeting.