In a tragic incident on February 22, 2025, a section of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district collapsed, leaving eight workers trapped. The collapse occurred approximately 14 kilometers inside the tunnel near Domalapenta. Since then, relentless rescue operations have been underway to extricate the trapped individuals.
Immediate Response and Challenges
Following the collapse, rescue teams comprising the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other agencies were mobilized. Despite their continuous efforts, progress has been hindered by significant challenges. The tunnel is filled with water and silt, making navigation perilous and impeding the movement of heavy machinery. Rescuers have resorted to using rubber tubes and wooden planks to traverse the muck. Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, after assessing the situation firsthand, expressed concerns about the workers’ survival, stating, “The chances of survival we cannot predict. Chances are not that good.”
Specialized Teams Join the Effort
To bolster the rescue operations, two specialized teams from construction giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have been deployed. Equipped with advanced endoscopic and robotic cameras, these teams bring expertise from previous rescue missions, notably the Uttarakhand tunnel incident in 2023. Their advanced equipment is expected to provide critical visual assessments of the tunnel’s interior, aiding in strategizing the rescue.
Additionally, ‘rat miners’—specialized personnel known for their ability to navigate narrow and treacherous underground passages—have been brought in. These miners played a pivotal role in the successful rescue of 41 workers during the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel collapse in the Himalayas in 2023. Their unique skills are invaluable in situations where conventional rescue methods face limitations.
Obstacles in the Rescue Mission
The rescue teams face formidable obstacles. The accumulation of water and silt inside the tunnel has created a treacherous environment, complicating efforts to reach the trapped workers. The presence of tangled iron rods and cement blocks further hampers progress. Efforts to deploy heavy machinery have been thwarted by the challenging terrain and waterlogged conditions. A rescue worker highlighted the difficulties, stating, “There is water logging 2 km just before the 13.5 km point. It is a challenging task, and due to this, our heavy equipment is not able to reach till the last point.”
Community and Government Response
The incident has drawn significant attention from both the public and government officials. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has been actively monitoring the situation, seeking detailed reports on the cause of the collapse and directing officials to prioritize the rescue operations. He has also emphasized the need for proper medical care for any injured individuals.
The local community remains on edge, anxiously awaiting news about the trapped workers. Families of the missing individuals have gathered at the site, holding onto hope despite the challenging circumstances. The state government has assured them of all possible efforts to rescue their loved ones and has promised a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Conclusion
As rescue operations continue, the situation remains critical. The combined efforts of specialized teams, advanced equipment, and unwavering determination underscore the commitment to saving the trapped workers. However, the formidable challenges posed by the tunnel’s conditions serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in large-scale infrastructure projects. The nation watches closely, hoping for a positive outcome to this harrowing ordeal.
