In a tragic incident, a section of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district collapsed, trapping eight workers inside. State Minister J. Krishna Rao conveyed a grim outlook regarding their survival, stating that despite rescue teams calling out to the trapped individuals, there was no response, and the chances of their survival appear “very, very, very, very remote.”
The collapse, which occurred on February 22, 2025, was triggered by a sudden influx of water and soil during routine excavation work involving a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Approximately 50 workers were present in the tunnel at the time; while many managed to escape, eight individuals remain unaccounted for. The trapped workers have been identified as Manoj Kumar and Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, Sunny Singh from Jammu and Kashmir, Gurpreet Singh from Punjab, and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, Santosh Sahu, and Anuj Sahu from Jharkhand.
Rescue operations have been challenging due to the accumulation of debris and muck, which have obstructed access to the affected section of the tunnel. Minister Rao highlighted that mud has piled up to 25 feet within the 30-foot diameter of the tunnel, complicating rescue efforts. He also noted that the lack of response from the trapped workers further diminishes the likelihood of their survival.
In an effort to expedite the rescue, a specialized team of “rat miners” from Uttarakhand, known for their expertise in navigating narrow subterranean passages, has been deployed to the site. This team previously played a crucial role in rescuing workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand in 2023. Despite their expertise, progress has been slow due to the challenging conditions, and it is estimated that it may take an additional three to four days to reach the trapped workers.
To support the rescue operations, authorities are pumping oxygen into the tunnel and attempting to dewater the affected area. However, the dense accumulation of debris and the structural instability of the tunnel pose significant hurdles. Minister Rao expressed concerns about the availability of oxygen in the lower sections of the tunnel, questioning how air could reach the trapped individuals beneath the debris.
The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other agencies have been actively involved in the rescue mission since the incident occurred. Despite their concerted efforts, no significant breakthroughs have been achieved thus far. Officials are also exploring alternative routes to reach the collapse site, including clearing soil mounds and debris from different sections of the tunnel.
This incident has drawn attention to the safety protocols and emergency preparedness measures in place for large-scale infrastructure projects. As rescue teams continue their arduous efforts, the situation remains tense, with families of the trapped workers and the broader community anxiously awaiting updates.
