Hyderabad, Apr 2 (Reporter) Relief work related to the accident in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel will be completed within 10 to 15 days, ensuring that the Nalgonda and Khammam districts benefit from Krishna River waters in another two and a half years, said State Revenue, Housing, Information, and Civil Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. After inspecting the SLBC tunnel accident site, the minister addressed reporters in Srisailam on Wednesday. He stated that relief efforts in the tunnel are progressing rapidly under the instructions of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He added that the critical stage of the operation will be reached once excavation of another 105-110 meters is completed. The accident site is currently obstructed by a 250-meter-long pile of rocks and mud. Over the past 40 days, 700-800 experts from various organizations have been working round the clock under the supervision of officials. Currently, around 550-560 personnel are engaged in rescue operations using advanced equipment. The presence of iron and other objects entangled in the heavy drilling machine inside the tunnel has made the removal of debris particularly challenging and hazardous. However, the state government has ensured that all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate smooth relief operations. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the Collector, Special Monitoring Officer Shivshankar Loteti, Disaster Management Officer, and the Superintendent of Police to remain available at all times. So far, two bodies have been recovered from the incident. The Collector has been instructed to expedite compensation to the families of the remaining victims. In response to the tragedy, steps are being taken to enhance safety measures during tunnel excavation to prevent future incidents. The SLBC project, conceptualised during the tenure of the late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, is expected to provide irrigation water during the tenure of the current Indira government. The SLBC tunnel accident occurred on February 22, trapping eight workers. Efforts to remove collapsed rocks and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) parts are ongoing, with welding and excavation work being carried out continuously. The accumulated debris, silt, and spring water are also being cleared. However, the rescue operation remains challenging due to poor air circulation and low visibility at the accident site, located 14 km from the tunnel's inlet. Expressing deep regret over the loss of lives, Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy emphasised the government's commitment to completing relief efforts swiftly. As part of his visit, the minister, along with his wife, offered prayers at the Srisailam Bhramarambhika Mallikarjuna Swamy temple...////...