Telangana to Resume Srisailam Left Bank Canal Tunnel Work After Survey, Safety a Priority
February 1, 2026
Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel work, stopped after a collapse on February 22, 2025, will restart soon. The tunnel caved in near 14 km from the reservoir side, trapping eight workers. Rescue teams from the Army, Navy, Singareni, and others found only two bodies before ending the search.
On Sunday, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the state got a fresh aerial electromagnetic (AEM) survey report by CSIR-NGRI. This survey covers about 9.5 km of the remaining tunnel and provides key geological data. The findings were "encouraging," helping plan safety and support systems better.
The Minister stressed the tunnel is key for Telangana’s irrigation. He asked engineers to work round the clock with strict safety rules and warned that delays or negligence would not be allowed. To improve project control, an exclusive SLBC Division will be created, led by a Chief Engineer. An Independent Supervision Consultant will ensure safety and quality. Tunnel safety supervisors from Singareni Collieries Company Limited will work on site daily.
Special teams will monitor ground and tunnel conditions every day. This real-time assessment aims to reduce risks.
"The SLBC tunnel is a vital component of Telangana’s irrigation framework. Work must proceed with speed, discipline and scientific precision," said Mr. Uttam Kumar Reddy. The government remains committed to completing the project on time using advanced methods and international safety standards.
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Tags:
Srisailam Left Bank Canal
Tunnel Collapse
Aem Survey
Telangana Irrigation
Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project
N. Uttam Kumar Reddy
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