Rescue operations have entered their fourth day as teams strive to reach eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a section of the tunnel’s roof collapsed, leaving the workers stranded approximately 14 kilometers from Domalapenta.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Multiple agencies, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Army, have been deployed to expedite the rescue mission. Specialized teams, such as rat miners who previously succeeded in rescuing workers from Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel in 2023, have also joined the operation. Despite these concerted efforts, no contact has been established with the trapped individuals.
Nagarkurnool District Collector B. Santhosh highlighted the challenges faced by the rescuers, stating that while ventilation and lighting are adequate up to the last 50 meters, the final stretch remains obstructed by debris and mud. This blockage has significantly hindered progress, making it difficult to reach the trapped workers.
Challenges in the Rescue Operation
The rescue teams are contending with a substantial accumulation of debris and slush within the tunnel, which has complicated efforts to clear a path. Advanced equipment, including endoscopic and robotic cameras, has been deployed to assess conditions within the tunnel and locate the workers. Additionally, oxygen is being pumped into the tunnel to support any survivors.
Experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) have been consulted to provide insights into the structural integrity of the tunnel and to advise on safe excavation methods. Their expertise is crucial in navigating the complex geological conditions that have contributed to the collapse.
Identification of the Trapped Workers
The individuals trapped 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. Among them are two engineers, two operators, and four laborers. Family members of the workers from Jharkhand have been escorted to Telangana to await developments.
Official Statements and Concerns
Telangana Minister J. Krishna Rao expressed grave concerns regarding the situation, acknowledging the diminishing likelihood of survival given the prolonged duration and challenging conditions. He noted that despite efforts to communicate by calling out the workers’ names, there has been no response, further dampening hopes.
The incident has prompted discussions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness in large-scale infrastructure projects. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community and National Response
The tragedy has resonated deeply within the local community and across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all possible assistance, and Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy has called for swift rescue and relief measures. The collective hope remains focused on a positive outcome as rescue teams continue their relentless efforts.
As the situation develops, updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the progress of the rescue operations and any new findings related to the incident.
