Rescue teams race against time to save trapped workers in Telangana tunnel collapse

Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. Operations have been ongoing since Feb 22, but the situation remains critical.

"Their chances of surviving are very, very remote," said a state minister, as the rescue effort is hindered by a buildup of water and mud.

The tunnel, which is 44 kilometers long and located behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool, collapsed on Feb 22 while several workers were repairing a leak.

While most workers managed to escape, eight have become stuck and have not been in contact since.

According to state minister Krishna Rao, who is overseeing the rescue operations, four of the trapped individuals are laborers, and four work for the construction company.

In addition to Navy commandos, who have arrived to assist, the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state authorities are actively involved in the operation.

The team also includes six members of the heroic crew that led the successful Uttarakhand Silkyara tunnel rescue operation in 2023.

The collapse occurred at least 13 kilometers from the mouth of the tunnel, and rescuers have reached the final 100 meters.

However, the minister explained that mud and water are complicating the rescue efforts.

"Muck has piled up too high inside the tunnel, making it impossible to walk. The rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate. The chances of survival are very, very remote, but we remain hopeful and are sparing no effort," said Rao.

Rescuers have also highlighted the need for additional equipment as they continue their struggle to free the trapped workers.

A report from Feb 23 mentioned that cracks in the tunnel’s walls were allowing water to gush out, requiring immediate dewatering efforts.

Both the central and state governments are closely monitoring the situation. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised full support, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to inquire about the rescue operation.

According to Reddy's office, he is aware of the challenges and has requested plans to be put in place to supply oxygen and drain the water from the tunnel.

The Chief Minister's Office also said that rescuers are working to clear the muck and are searching for alternative routes to reach the collapse site.