NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report on SLBC Tunnel Collapse

Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission directed the Chief Secretary to submit an action report within four weeks on the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse last February, saying the delay in submitting the report “caused delay in assessing responsibility and establishing necessary remedial and preventive measures”.

In its October 10 order, the NHRC said it had received a complaint on April 5 this year, raising questions such as lack of worker protection and how workers were not registered or extended benefits and protections under the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act (2008).

The NHRC said the complaint also noted that no geological or geotechnical analysis report on the tunnel collapse was made public and despite apparent violations, no action was taken against the contractor under the Inter-State Migrant Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979.

The NHRC said the action taken report should include information on financial assistance to the next of kin of deceased victims and details of criminal proceedings against the responsible contractor, project management officials and government officials found guilty of negligence leading to loss of life and breach of legal obligations.

Despite the fact that the incident took place on 22.02.2025 and the long period of time that has passed, the relevant authorities have not yet submitted the transaction report. “In view of the Commission’s concerns and observations,” the NHRC directed the Chief Secretary to expedite the submission of the action taken report and submit a detailed status update to the Commission within four weeks for further review and appropriate action.”