A large-scale rescue operation is ongoing at the SLBC tunnel with top experts and advanced equipment deployed. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that rescue efforts will be completed in two to three days and criticised BRS leaders for politicising the incident.
HYDERABAD: A large-scale, multi-agency rescue operation is in progress at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, with top experts and advanced equipment deployed to save the trapped workers. Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the rescue efforts would be completed within two to three days, and tunnel works would resume in the next two to three months.
Speaking at the SLBC tunnel accident site near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district on Thursday, Uttam Kumar Reddy described the incident as one of the most complex tunnel accidents in India. He stated that, for the first time, multiple national and international agencies had been brought together under a unified command to conduct the rescue mission. Eleven top agencies specialising in tunnel disasters are leading the operation, ensuring seamless coordination and expertise.
The minister highlighted that rescue teams are working round the clock, using the latest technology to safely extract the trapped workers. Plasma cutters, high-grade shutters, and debris removal machinery have been deployed, with international experts overseeing the strategy. Tunnel boring machines and dewatering processes have been reactivated to clear obstructions.
“This is an extremely challenging operation, and the best experts in the field are involved. They are working selflessly, risking their own lives to complete this rescue,” Uttam Kumar Reddy stated. He also mentioned that strict precautionary measures have been implemented at the site to ensure the safety of workers and rescuers.
“BRS leaders enacting political dramas”
Uttam Kumar Reddy strongly condemned BRS leaders, particularly Harish Rao, for criticising the rescue operations. He blamed the previous BRS government for neglecting the SLBC project for a decade, arguing that their failure to complete the project led to the current crisis.
“The BRS leaders left this project incomplete. If they had worked efficiently, this project would have been finished long ago, and Telangana farmers would have had enough water,” he remarked.
He also criticised Harish Rao’s comments on the rescue operation, stating that professionals with expertise far beyond him were handling the situation. “Does he think he knows more than the top tunnel engineers? Is he trying to insult the Indian Army, Navy commandos, BRO teams, and other experts who are risking their lives in this rescue?” he questioned.
The minister dismissed the BRS leaders’ visit to the accident site as mere political theatrics. “They came here to stage a drama and left after putting on a show,” he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy recalled past incidents under the BRS government, including the Srisailam Left Bank Power Station blast, where nine workers lost their lives. He pointed out that no BRS leader visited the site at the time, and when Revanth Reddy tried to meet the victims, he was arrested. Similarly, he mentioned the Devadula project, where seven workers died and their remains were recovered only after five years.
He questioned why Harish Rao never spoke about these incidents when they occurred under the BRS government but is now commenting on the SLBC tunnel accident.
The minister accused KCR and Harish Rao of mismanaging the irrigation sector by spending Rs 1.81 lakh crore on projects that failed to deliver water. He cited the Palamuru-Rangareddy project, which cost Rs 27,500 crore but did not irrigate a single acre, and the collapse of the Kaleshwaram project as examples of failed governance.
“They should have some shame before speaking. They did not complete SLBC, Devadula, Sitarama, or Palamuru Rangareddy projects, and now they are pretending to care,” he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also questioned former minister Jagadish Reddy’s role in the SLBC project, asking why he did not act when the power supply to SLBC was cut, halting the dewatering process and stalling the project.
He accused BRS leaders of colluding with former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, claiming that while they indulged in luxuries at Pragathi Bhavan, Krishna River water was being diverted to Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that BRS leaders prioritised personal ties over Telangana’s irrigation needs.
Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that the Congress government is working transparently and is committed to completing the SLBC project. He emphasised that unlike the previous administration, they are not misusing public funds or governing from farmhouses.
“I am a pilot. I have flown several fighter jets. I do not fly helicopters for luxury like BRS leaders,” he remarked, responding to allegations about his travel.\
Harish Rao criticises Congress government over SLBC tunnel rescue operations
“Congress Govt will complete SLBC project”
He reiterated that the rescue operation is being conducted with full dedication. Once the trapped workers are safely rescued, tunnel works will resume within two to three months and will be completed within the stipulated time.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway At SLBC Tunnel
A multi-agency rescue operation is in full swing at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, with the country’s best experts and advanced equipment deployed to save the trapped workers. pic.twitter.com/k0iWXDCRQF
— Uttam Kumar Reddy (@UttamINC) February 27, 2025
