Fri Feb 28 13:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Minister Blames Previous BRS Government for SLBC Tunnel Tragedy
**Mahabubnagar, Telangana:** Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has sharply criticized the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government for its alleged negligence in the SLBC tunnel project, leading to the recent tragedy. He accused former ministers of spreading falsehoods about the project’s progress.
Speaking to reporters alongside MLA Vamshikrishna and former MP V.H., Reddy stated that the BRS government, which ruled the state for ten years, failed to provide even basic amenities like dewatering and electricity to the tunnel. He blamed Chief Minister KCR and Minister Harish Rao for the “ruination” of various projects in Telangana.
Reddy highlighted that ₹3,000 crore worth of work on the project was stalled under the previous regime, leaving only nine kilometers of excavation pending. He asserted that the current government is undertaking the remaining work with transparency and efficiency, even granting access to the accident site for BRS leaders. He contrasted this with the alleged lack of access given to opposition leaders during previous inspections of projects like Kaleshwaram.
The minister further criticized the BRS government’s handling of other irrigation projects, citing the collapse of Kaleshwaram and the failure of Palamuru-Ranga Reddy to irrigate a single acre despite massive expenditure. He also mentioned the alleged negligence in addressing accidents at other projects, including the deaths of workers at Srisailam power plant and Devadula tunnel. He accused the previous government of ignoring the welfare of victims in various incidents.
Reddy assured that rescue operations at the SLBC tunnel would be completed within two to three days and pending work would resume within two to three months. He also mentioned the involvement of South Central Railway’s plasma cutting experts in the rescue effort.
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