Uttam Kumar Reddy Sets Deadline for Revival of SLBC Tunnel Works

Hyderabad, July 19, 2025 (Maxim News): In a comprehensive strategy meeting on Saturday, Telangana Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to accelerate the revival of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel works and set clear goals for optimal water utilization during the ongoing Kharif season (Vana Kalam).

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Chairing a high-level meeting at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat, the Minister reviewed water levels across all major reservoirs, particularly in the Krishna and Godavari basins, and called for a scientific, real-time water release strategy. The plan, he emphasized, should be based on current reservoir data, forecasted monsoon inflows, and the total ayacut coverage to ensure every farmer receives adequate irrigation.

“Our primary goal is to ensure no farmer suffers due to water shortage. Every department must work in coordination with accuracy, foresight, and accountability,” he said.

SLBC Tunnel: Top Priority with a Technical Push

One of the major decisions of the meeting was the directive to immediately resume the pending 10-km stretch of the SLBC tunnel, using advanced drilling and blasting methods. Labeling the tunnel as a “lifeline project” for Telangana, Reddy stressed that its completion must be treated as a mission-critical task.

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The tunnel work is being supported by cutting-edge electromagnetic survey technology, in partnership with National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and Geological Survey of India (GSI). The Minister instructed officials to fast-track the aerial LIDAR survey for precise execution and met with NGRI scientists earlier in the day to finalize its modalities.

Significantly, the meeting marked the first formal interaction with Colonel Parikshit Mehra, a globally recognized tunnel engineering expert now deputed to the Telangana Irrigation Department. Reddy expressed confidence that Mehra’s involvement, along with General Harpal Singh—soon to be appointed as Honorary Advisor—would help resolve long-standing technical hurdles in tunnel projects across the state.

Strengthening Kharif Readiness and Reservoir Safety

Highlighting last year’s record paddy production of 281 Lakh Metric Tonnes, Reddy attributed the achievement to seamless coordination between the Irrigation and Agriculture Departments. He urged officials to maintain the same synergy with District Collectors and field-level teams to ensure success in the current season.

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The Minister also reviewed monsoon preparedness and issued strict instructions for monitoring dams, canals, and reservoirs. Officials were told to coordinate closely with the Disaster Management wing to prevent breaches, flooding, or structural damage.

“Public safety and the structural integrity of our irrigation network are non-negotiable,” he stated.

Focus on Desiltation, Encroachments, and Promotions

In a parallel review, the Minister took stock of desiltation and desedimentation works in key basins, stressing the need to restore lost storage capacity in major reservoirs before peak monsoon rains. Officials were instructed to identify vulnerable zones and complete desilting operations on a war footing.

Addressing land encroachment issues, Reddy ordered a statewide eviction drive across all properties belonging to the Irrigation Department, including institutions like WALAMTARI and the Engineering Research Laboratory (ERL). He asked officials to collaborate with municipal bodies and police departments to initiate legal action and reclaim government lands.

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On the administrative front, the Minister directed that all pending promotions from Deputy Engineers to Engineers-in-Chief be completed within the next two months, ensuring smooth functioning and staff morale.

Government’s Commitment to Farmers

Reaffirming the Congress-led government’s dedication to agriculture, Uttam Kumar Reddy stated:

“Our focus is clear: optimal water use, infrastructure revival, and farmer welfare. The Irrigation Department must act with precision, urgency, and responsibility to achieve these goals.”

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