Domalapenta: Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has announced that relief operations at the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel will be completed within two days, while tunnel excavation work is set to resume in two months. He blamed the previous government for the tunnel collapse, stating that their failure to remove water from the tunnel led to the current disaster.
“If the water had been cleared earlier, this accident could have been prevented. The previous government neglected the 30 TMC gravity project, which, if completed, would have provided irrigation to 4.5 lakh acres. Instead, Bharata leaders used public funds for their own benefit,” Uttam alleged.
He criticized the Kaleshwaram project, claiming that despite ₹1 lakh crore investment, parts of it collapsed within three years. He also pointed out past tragedies, including the Srisailam power plant fire, Palamuru pump house accident, Kondagattu bus tragedy, and Masaipet train accident, accusing the previous administration of ignoring public safety.
Responding to BRS leader Harish Rao’s allegations, Uttam questioned why the project was not completed in the last ten years if he had the required experience. He assured that mud removal is progressing, and once complete, the tunnel debris will be cleared.
