Hyderabad – November 3
A new high‑tech aerial electromagnetic survey started Monday to clear the way for the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy watched the helicopter‑mounted transmitter set up at the tunnel’s first outlet point.
The survey, supervised by scientists from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), uses powerful magnetic sensors to map ground conditions 800‑1,000 metres below the surface. By spotting rock layers, fault lines and underground water flows, the team can pinpoint the safest and most efficient path for the remaining 9.8 km of the 44‑km tunnel.
“Everything that matters for the tunnel work lies underground,” explained NGRI’s director, Dr Prakash Kumar, to the ministers. The data will be checked every 2.5 metres, ensuring the tunnel stays on track and avoids costly surprises.
After the briefing, the Chief Minister authorised the helicopter to begin the flight. He and the ministers then flew a second helicopter to watch the survey in real time, underscoring the importance of the mission.
The SLBC project originally started in 1983 and aims to deliver 30 thousand cubic metres of water each day by gravity from the Krishna River. That water would irrigate 300,000 acres and provide drinking water to 3 million people—no electricity needed, which saves the state about Rs 500 million each year on pumping.
Work on the tunnel stalled for two decades, but the current administration rewound the project in 2004. Today, 33 km of the tunnel is finished; the final 11 km will follow once the survey data is analysed.
“Countries with rare, gravity‑driven tunnels will glimpse Telangana’s success when the SLBC is complete,” Reddy told reporters. He also promised compensation for residents of flooded villages near the project and criticised the previous government for delaying work.
The Chief Minister added that the cost of the SLBC has risen to around Rs 4,500 crore, roughly double the earlier estimate. He said Army engineers, led by former Border Roads Organisation chief Lt‑Gen Harpal Singh, would help resume construction safely after the tragic deaths of eight workers in February.
As Telangana pushes toward completing the SLBC tunnel, the aerial survey marks a new technological leap that could bring water, savings and growth to millions across the state.
Source: ianslive
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