Rescue operations at Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel suffered a major setback early Sunday morning as teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) encountered severe difficulties in reaching the collapsed section. Officials reported that the tunnel was blocked with mud reaching knee level, making direct access impossible.
An SDRF official stated, “There’s no chance to go to the spot inside the tunnel. It has completely collapsed and mud is reaching up to the knees. We will have to take another step.” The team and experts from Singareni Collieries returned after assessing the collapse, which has left at least eight workers trapped.
Rescuers on-site told Indian Express that water would first have to be drained for the rescue to start. The tunnel, under construction for five years to transport Krishna River water to Nalgonda district, has experienced significant seepage from surrounding hillocks. A senior rescuer explained that while the tunnel’s roof previously mitigated this issue, its collapse has intensified water accumulation, further complicating the rescue efforts.
Collapse occurs days after work resumption
The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a three-meter section of the under-construction tunnel’s roof caved in at the 14th km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. This happened just four days after construction had resumed following a long hiatus. While several workers managed to escape, eight remained trapped inside.
In response to the crisis, SDRF and NDRF teams were deployed, and an Engineer Regiment from the Indian Army’s Infantry Division in Secunderabad was put on standby with an Excavator Dozer to support the rescue efforts.
Specialised equipment deployed for rescue
The Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) has been mobilised to assist in the rescue operation. The ETF is equipped with specialised engineering teams, a medical detachment from the Army Medical Corps, an ambulance, three high-capacity pumping sets, armoured hoses, and other essential accessories.
Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, Mallu Ravi, highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating that 145 personnel from NDRF Hyderabad and 120 from SDRF are working tirelessly to save the trapped workers. Additionally, oxygen is being supplied into the tunnel, and high-powered pumps are being deployed to remove water.
Upon receiving a request from Telangana’s Chief Secretary, the Army swiftly mobilised its forces to support the rescue mission. The operations are being closely monitored by HQ Telangana & Andhra Sub Area (TASA) and the Infantry Division HQ, ensuring seamless coordination between the Army, civil authorities, and rescue teams.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support from the Central government. He spoke to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy regarding the ongoing operations and pledged all necessary assistance to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.
(With ANI inputs)