HYDERABAD, September 29: The Telangana Government is set to strengthen the execution of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel and the rehabilitation of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages by engaging additional officers from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers.
The Military Secretary’s Branch of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence has offered three officers for selection by the Telangana Government: Lt Col Satyadev Singh, Lt Col Ranjit A. Menon and Lt Col H. V. Bhalla. The State Government is likely to take all three officers on deputation and deploy them in its most technically challenging irrigation works.
Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy recently met Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth at his official residence in New Delhi and personally requested the deputation of experienced Army engineers to Telangana. He explained the technical complexity and strategic importance of the SLBC tunnel and the repair and rehabilitation of the three Kaleshwaram barrages.
Following this meeting, the proposal moved rapidly, with Army Headquarters communicating the names of three officers for the State Government’s consideration.
Uttam Kumar Reddy and General Dhiraj Seth share an institutional bond and familiarity as alumni of the prestigious National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune. Uttam Kumar Reddy underwent training in the Air Force stream before becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, while General Seth was trained in the Army stream and was subsequently commissioned into the Armoured Corps. General Seth assumed office as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, 2026.
“As a former military officer, I have the highest regard for the professional standards, knowledge, integrity, discipline and problem-solving abilities of Armed Forces personnel. Military officers are trained to perform in difficult terrain, disaster situations and highly challenging operational environments. They combine technical competence with leadership, accountability and a mission-oriented approach,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
The State Government’s decision was also based on its extraordinary experience of working with Col. Parikshit Mehra, who has been serving with Telangana on deputation for about two years.
Col. Mehra has been closely associated with both the SLBC tunnel and the repair and rehabilitation planning for Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla. His technical knowledge, field-level involvement and ability to coordinate complex operations have been of immense value to the Irrigation Department.
“Our experience with Col. Parikshit Mehra has been extraordinary. His contribution has reinforced our belief that experienced military engineers can add tremendous value to technically complicated infrastructure projects. In light of that experience, we requested the Army Chief to depute more officers. I am grateful that General Dhiraj Seth and Army Headquarters responded so positively and promptly,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
Under the deployment being considered, one of the three officers would supervise operations at the SLBC tunnel’s two excavation fronts, including work inside the tunnel near the excavation faces. The remaining two officers would be assigned to the repair and rehabilitation works covering the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages.
The SLBC tunnel is among India’s longest and most technically demanding irrigation tunnels. About 35 kilometres of the approximately 44-kilometre tunnel have already been completed. The Government has fixed June 2028 as the target for completing the remaining work. Advanced geophysical investigations, reinforced ventilation and safety systems, continuous documentation and strict field-level supervision are being incorporated into its execution.
Simultaneously, the Government is proceeding with the scientific rehabilitation of the three Kaleshwaram barrages. Investigations recommended by the National Dam Safety Authority, including soil, concrete and foundation tests, are nearing completion. IIT Bombay and AFRY India are examining the findings and preparing final designs for the required structural interventions.
The Government’s ultimate objective is to complete the SLBC tunnel within the stipulated timeframe and restore Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla to fully safe and functional condition. Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that speed would never be pursued at the cost of worker safety, engineering standards or the long-term stability of the structures.
Officials said Uttam Kumar Reddy’s military background, understanding of Armed Forces systems, shared institutional connections and professional contacts in the defence establishment were helping the Telangana Government secure highly specialised expertise for difficult infrastructure assignments.
“The participation of Army engineers will strengthen quality control, improve field-level coordination, accelerate decision-making and bring greater discipline and accountability to execution. Telangana will benefit immensely from the Armed Forces’ culture of completing every mission with precision, commitment and honour,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
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