MP’s Sleemanabad tunnel nears completion after 17 years; CM to review final phase today

Jabalpur/Bhopal, July 17 (IANS) The Sleemanabad water tunnel, one of Madhya Pradesh’s longest-delayed irrigation projects that has been under construction for nearly 17 years, has entered its final phase, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav set to inspect the site in Katni district on Friday.

According to a state government statement, the 11.952-km tunnel, being developed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) under the Bargi Diversion Project, is expected to carry Narmada water through the Vindhya range into the Son river basin using gravity, creating permanent irrigation potential for around 2.45 lakh hectares across nearly 1,450 villages in Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Rewa and Panna districts.

“The project is now in its final stage and will play a crucial role in expanding irrigation facilities in the Vindhya and Mahakaushal regions,” CM Yadav said in the statement.

The government said the project, approved in 2008 at an estimated cost of Rs 799 crore, encountered major geological hurdles, including hard marble and limestone formations, underground cavities and heavy water seepage, resulting in cost escalation and delays. The expenditure has now risen to Rs 1,610.47 crore.

According to the statement, specialised tunnelling machinery, including a German tunnel boring machine, along with chemical grouting and high-capacity dewatering systems, was deployed to overcome technical challenges. The tunnel also passes beneath populated areas, a national highway and railway tracks.

The government said 96.66 per cent of the physical work under the contract has been completed.

The main tunnel and a 12.135-km open canal have been completed, while only 188 metres remain in a canal section being constructed through the cut-and-cover method.

“The state government has been closely monitoring the project so that its benefits reach farmers at the earliest,” CM Yadav said.

According to the statement, irrigation potential for about 44,160 hectares has already been created under subsequent phases. The government plans to extend irrigation to another 87,433 hectares by December 2026 and to around 1.55 lakh hectares by December 2027, while the full command area of 2.45 lakh hectares will be covered after completion of the entire canal distribution network.

–IANS

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