J365 NEWS,Miryalaguda:CPM state committee member and former MLA Julakanti Rangareddy criticized the delay in the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) project, attributing it to non-release of funds by successive governments. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he stated that during CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure, the project was initiated in 2006 with a budget estimate of ₹2,000 crore to provide irrigation and drinking water to the undivided Nalgonda district. It was supposed to be completed in five to six years, but lack of funds stalled the construction.
He pointed out that out of 43 km of tunnel construction, about 8 km remains unfinished. He accused the TRS government of neglecting the project for the past decade, leading to zero progress. Although the Congress government restarted work, a lack of foresight among officials resulted in a tragic accident. He blamed ten years of inactivity for the failure to assess groundwater seepage and tunnel stability, which endangered lives.Julakanti demanded that the government sincerely complete the SLBC project, as it is vital for providing safe drinking water to 550 villages and irrigation to 4.3 lakh acres. He expressed anguish over the burden of electricity bills on lift irrigation schemes and the loss of eight workers’ lives due to the project’s negligence. He also criticized the BRS government for its lack of commitment, recalling the former CM’s dismissive remarks about the project.
Welcoming CM Revanth Reddy’s recent release of funds, he still lamented the unfortunate accident. He urged the government to expedite pending construction during summer under strict supervision to ensure the people of Nalgonda receive the much-needed water supply.CPM leaders Dabbikar Mallesh, Veerepalli Venkateshwarlu, and Dr. Mallu Gautam Reddy were also present at the meeting.