Rescue operations are in full swing at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, where eight workers remain trapped following a partial collapse. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed, focusing on draining water from the tunnel and clearing debris to reach the workers. The situation remains dire, with Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao expressing concerns over the survival chances.
A Race Against Time Underground
It has been nearly 48 hours since the tunnel collapse, and efforts to reach the trapped workers are proving to be a daunting challenge. The incident occurred at the 14 km mark of the under-construction SLBC tunnel when a three-meter section of the roof caved in, blocking access and complicating rescue efforts.
Rescuers have been using inflatable rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate through the tunnel, which remains flooded with water and debris. “The muck is too high, making it impossible to walk through,” said Minister Rao, who personally inspected the situation inside the tunnel.
The workers’ condition remains unknown, as contact has not yet been established. With oxygen supply a growing concern, authorities are working around the clock to expedite the rescue.
Challenges Hindering the Rescue Operation
- Blocked Access: The collapsed section has completely sealed off the workers’ location, requiring careful excavation to prevent further cave-ins.
- Flooded Tunnel: Water accumulation inside the tunnel is complicating movement and forcing rescuers to use alternative approaches.
- Structural Risks: There are fears that more sections of the tunnel may collapse if heavy machinery is used recklessly.
The NDRF, in coordination with local authorities, is using multiple strategies, including manual clearing and controlled excavation, to ensure the trapped workers can be reached safely.
Technical Difficulties Slow Progress
The tunnel, a key component of the SLBC project meant to channel water from the Krishna River, is a complex engineering site. Given its under-construction status, the rescue teams are working in an unstable environment.
To mitigate risks, engineers have been analyzing the tunnel’s structural integrity before deploying large-scale excavation tools. One of the primary hurdles is draining out the accumulated water, which is currently obstructing clear access to the workers.
In an attempt to locate them, small cameras and sound detection equipment have been lowered into the affected section, but so far, there have been no confirmed signs of life.
Government’s Response and Public Concern
The Telangana government has mobilized all available resources, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy closely monitoring the developments. Family members of the trapped workers are anxiously waiting at the site, demanding swift action.
Rescue teams have been working in shifts, and reinforcements from the mining and engineering sectors have been called in to assist. While officials maintain that all efforts are being made, frustration is growing among relatives and local residents over the delay in reaching the workers.
Table: Key Details of the Telangana Tunnel Collapse
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | February 23, 2025 |
| Location | SLBC Tunnel, Nagarkurnool, Telangana |
| Workers Trapped | 8 |
| Cause of Collapse | Roof caved in at 14 km mark |
| Rescue Teams | NDRF, local police, engineers |
| Major Challenges | Debris, water accumulation, access blockage |
| Current Status | Rescue operations ongoing |
With every passing hour, the urgency of the rescue operation grows. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether the workers can be brought out alive. Officials continue to stress that they are doing everything possible, but the complexity of the situation is making it a slow and perilous process.
