Emphasizing round-the-clock operations on the SLBC tunnel project with a focused approach to safety protocol and immediate mobilization and deployment of machinery, the Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies, N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday made it clear that delays or negligence would not be tolerated.

He chaired a high-level review meeting on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project and rehabilitation of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

The Aerial Electromagnetic (AEM) survey for the remaining section of the SLBC tunnel has been conducted in collaboration with NGRI and the report was received. The results are encouraging, providing valuable geological data that will aid in assessing the required tunnel support systems and in identifying any potentially adverse geological zones in advance.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to timely completion of critical irrigation infrastructure, the Minister directed round-the-clock (24x7x365) operations on the SLBC tunnel and underscored that any delays or negligence would not be tolerated.

He instructed that the remaining tunnel works be executed using scientific methodologies based on advanced tunneling techniques and observational methods, ensuring continuous monitoring and adherence to international best safety practices.

To strengthen project management, the Minister announced the creation of an exclusive SLBC Division, with orders to appoint a Chief Engineer (SLBC) to head the operations. 

He further directed engagement of an Independent Supervision Consultant (ISC) to assist the Chief Engineer in ensuring safety, quality, and design compliance throughout construction.

Dedicated planning teams will monitor daily and weekly progress, while tunnel safety supervisors from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will be deployed at site. The Minister also ordered the establishment of specialized geotechnical and geological teams to perform daily assessments of ground behavior and tunnel stability, enabling real-time decision-making and risk mitigation.

“The SLBC tunnel is a vital component of Telangana’s irrigation framework. Work must proceed with speed, discipline, and scientific precision,” he said, stressing that safety and quality will remain top priorities while ensuring timely completion.

Focus on swift rehabilitation of Kaleshwaram barrages

Uttam Kumar Reddy called for close coordination among technical institutions and design consultants to expedite rehabilitation works on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme barrages . He directed officials to ensure that testing schedules of the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) are closely aligned with the work of project designers, facilitating timely technical validation. This synchronization, he said, will enable phased design approvals by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) under the Central Water Commission (CWC), allowing rehabilitation works to progress swiftly and efficiently. The Minister instructed that a meeting with the NDSA expert committee be held after February 16, urging officials to prepare comprehensive technical proposals covering structural, hydraulic, and remedial aspects.

“Proceed on a war footing—finalize designs, secure phased approvals, and begin rehabilitation without delay. Safety and design integrity must not be compromised at any stage,” Reddy emphasized. 

BRS cadre protest across Telangana

BRS cadres held demonstrations across Telangana on Sunday protesting against the political "harassment" by Congress government over summoning of former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao by the Telangana SIT to appear for questioning in alleged "phone tapping" during the previous BRS regime. As part of the protests held in different places across the state, BRS leaders and workers took to streets and raised slogans against Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and burnt effigies, the party said in a post on 'X'. They strongly condemned the issuance of notice to the BRS president and called it as "vendetta politics". The protesters also took out bike rallies. cross various locations, including village junctions and national highways, party supporters conducted rallies, obstructed roads, and burned effigies, characterising the actions of the SIT as political harassment. Numerous supporters congregated at Chandrashekhar Rao’s residence in Erravelli.

Effigies of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy were incinerated in several districts, such as Nagarkurnool, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Jangaon, Medak, Nalgonda, and Jogulamba Gadwal. Protests were seen not only at mandal headquarters but also in remote villages, with local BRS leaders spearheading marches and chanting slogans. In certain areas, demonstrators enacted mock funeral processions for the Congress government and engaged in other symbolic demonstrations to convey their discontent regarding the investigation. Prominent figures, including former MLAs and district-level officials, took part in rallies, motorbike processions, and highway blockades. Law enforcement intervened in some regions, effecting preventive arrests in various parts of the state where leaders had assembled in response to a call for state-wide protests issued by BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao.