Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has set December 9 2027, as the deadline for completion and commissioning of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal project. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy was also present.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has set December 9 2027, as the deadline for completion and commissioning of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal project directing officials that there shall not be a single day delay in the works.
The Chief Minister wanted the officials to expedite the works as SLBC was of importance not only to Nalgonda district but for the entire State. The project offered scope for providing water to the targetted districts without spending any money.
Officials concerned were instructed to provide information pertaining to problems encountered in the project between Srisailam and Akkampalli reservoirs. Reviewing the progress of the project with senior officials on Thursday, he said decisions and solutions relating to expeditious completion of the project would be taken in a single meeting that would be convened soon.
Focus in the meantime should be on obtaining forest clearances. “The project should be commissioned on December 9, 2027,” he said asserting that the Government was prepared to provide funds required for SLBC works in green channel.
He directed the contract agency J.P. Associates to be geared up for the project and keep their machinery ready. “I will not accept even a day’s delay in the project,” he told the agency suggesting that the agency and the officials concerned could utilise the services of experts from Singareni Collieries Company Limited in tunneling works.
Steps should be taken to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to the works, and there should not be any hindrances to the works.
Newly appointed Government Advisor Lt Gen Harpal Singh, who assumed charge yesterday, participated in the meeting. Excavation is to proceed at 175 metres per month from both ends, with a daily target of seven metres. Technical experts said the remaining geological conditions were favourable, with bolt supports required only 15–20 metres behind the excavation face.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that an advanced heli-borne survey would be carried out by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to identify shear zones, weak rock formations, and fault lines along the remaining alignment.
Lt Gen Harpal Singh stressed that ventilation, redundant systems, and documentation of methodology were vital for deep tunnelling works. He also insisted on training young engineers to build capacity within the state.
Officials reported that tunnelling has already progressed 21 km from one end and 14 km from the other, with the balance stretch requiring more intensive oversight. It was resolved that works would be carried out in three regulated shifts, as it takes nearly 90 minutes to reach the excavation face. Further, junior engineers would be deployed on every shift, maintaining written records of daily progress.
(eom)
Published – September 05, 2025 12:26 am IST
