Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy visited the site of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse on Sunday to assess the ongoing rescue efforts. Ten days into the crisis, eight workers remain trapped deep inside, with their precise location still unknown.
Rescue Teams Battle Unstable Terrain
The rescue agencies are facing an uphill battle. A five-meter-thick sheet of debris and unstable ground has made the final stretch of the tunnel extremely difficult to clear. The last 20 meters of the tunnel, particularly its left flank and roof, remain highly unstable due to water seepage, posing significant risks to the rescue operation.
Revanth Reddy acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the exact location of the trapped workers. “It is only an assessment at this stage,” he stated, adding that without definitive evidence, the government cannot comment on their condition.
Alternative Rescue Plans Considered
With conventional debris removal proving too slow and risky, experts have proposed a new approach:
- Digging smaller-diameter tunnels to bypass unstable sections
- Reinforcing existing structures to prevent further collapse
- Using advanced imaging technology to detect possible air pockets
The government is weighing these options as the clock ticks for those trapped inside.
Families Wait as Authorities Race Against Time
As rescue teams work tirelessly, families of the trapped workers continue to wait in anguish. Many have camped outside the site, hoping for any update on their loved ones. Officials have assured them that all available resources are being deployed.
The coming days will be critical. The rescue team’s ability to navigate the remaining stretch of debris could determine the fate of those still trapped underground.
