It has been five days since eight workers became trapped inside the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. With silt and water continuously rushing in at high speeds, officials say this is one of the most challenging rescue missions they have ever faced. Even the rescuers are in danger, adding to the complexity of the situation.
A Battle Against Nature and Time
The SLBC tunnel, which serves as a major irrigation lifeline, is also the world’s longest irrigation tunnel. It has only one entry and exit point, leaving no alternative routes for escape or access. This has significantly slowed down rescue operations. Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, citing expert opinions, stated that this is “the most complex and difficult tunnel rescue operation in the world, or at least in India.”
Experts from multiple agencies, including the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), have been working around the clock. The biggest challenge remains the constant inflow of water and silt, making progress inside the tunnel nearly impossible.
Why is This Rescue So Dangerous?
Unlike other tunnel collapses where access points allow multiple entry routes, the SLBC tunnel has only one. That means rescuers can’t reach the trapped workers from different directions, forcing them to clear debris and water from the same narrow passage.
- High-speed water inflow: The tunnel is still connected to a major water source, creating a continuous surge of water and silt.
- Structural instability: Any wrong move can lead to further collapse, endangering both the trapped workers and the rescue teams.
- Limited communication: So far, no direct contact has been established with those inside, making it difficult to assess their condition.
Nagarkurnool District Collector B. Santhosh said that before taking any further steps, officials are prioritizing tunnel stability. “We are unable to communicate with them (the trapped workers) at this moment. We are taking expert advice from GSI, NGRI, and L&T specialists before proceeding further,” he said.
Rescue Efforts: What’s Happening on the Ground?
Despite the risks, officials are trying multiple strategies to reach the trapped workers. Several rescue teams are on-site, assessing options to clear the blockage and provide a safe exit. Some key developments include:
- Dewatering Operations: Efforts are underway to pump out water and reduce flooding inside the tunnel.
- Geological Assessments: Experts are examining the structural integrity of the tunnel before any digging or excavation takes place.
- Emergency Support: Additional teams from the Army and Navy have been deployed to assist with technical rescue operations.
Rescue teams are hoping for a breakthrough soon, but the unpredictable nature of the tunnel’s condition is keeping officials on edge. “We have to be extremely careful. Any miscalculation can worsen the situation,” said a senior rescue official.
Comparisons to Other Tunnel Rescues
Tunnel collapses have happened in various parts of the world, but few have had conditions as treacherous as this one. Some past rescues that required extensive efforts include:
| Incident | Location | Duration | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silkyara Tunnel Collapse | Uttarakhand, India | 17 Days | Narrow passage, unstable debris |
| San José Mine Rescue | Chile | 69 Days | Deep underground, limited resources |
| Tham Luang Cave Rescue | Thailand | 18 Days | Flooding, narrow tunnels |
While these operations had their own risks, the single-entry point and high-speed water inflow in Telangana’s SLBC tunnel make it uniquely dangerous.
What Happens Next?
Officials are preparing for multiple possible scenarios, including controlled excavation, diversions to reduce water flow, and even specialized drilling if needed. However, every step has to be carefully calculated.
As the rescue operation enters its fifth day, hopes remain high, but challenges continue to mount. Experts are working tirelessly to find a solution, but with each passing hour, the urgency grows. The trapped workers are fighting for survival, and rescuers are pushing to bring them back home safely. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining the outcome of this harrowing mission.
