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Rescue teams are facing a challenging operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, where eight men remain trapped, as the tunnel is currently filled with water, rescuers informed the media.
Background of the Incident
- The collapse occurred at around 8:30 AM on Saturday in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district.
- The SLBC tunnel, spanning 44 km, is designed to supply 30 TMC of irrigation water to fluoride-affected and backward areas of Nalgonda district.
- Around 60 workers were at the site when the incident happened; 52 managed to escape, but eight remain trapped.
- The tunnel boring machine, sourced from the USA, was in use, and foreign engineers were present at the site.
The ongoing rescue efforts have been complicated due to the heavy mud and debris obstructing access to the trapped workers. Officials from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) attempted to enter the collapsed tunnel but had to retreat as mud reached up to their knees.
“There’s no chance to reach the exact spot inside the tunnel’ said an SDRF official. Rescue teams are now working on alternative strategies to reach the trapped workers.
Indian Army Joins Rescue Efforts
The Indian Army has deployed its Engineer Task Force (ETF) to assist in the rescue. An excavator dozer has been put on standby to help clear debris. The Engineer Regiment has been stationed at the site, coordinating with state rescue teams
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy personally spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assured full central assistance for the rescue operations. He also reviewed the situation with state ministers. Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, Mallu Ravi, confirmed that the collapse resulted in mud and water flooding the tunnel, making the other side inaccessible.
Leaders Express Concern
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “My thoughts are with those trapped inside and their families at this difficult time. The state government and disaster relief teams are doing everything possible to bring them back safely. Despite the collapse, officials have confirmed that the tunnel’s ventilation system remains functional, ensuring an uninterrupted oxygen supply to the trapped workers.
Telangana minister Uttam Reddy visited the site and interacted with the American project manager overseeing the construction. He reaffirmed that despite the setback, the project will be completed as planned.
“The Fire and Disaster Management teams, irrigation officials, and police are working under senior officers’ supervision. We will recover from this and ensure the tunnel’s successful completion,” he stated.
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