Rescuers battle massive silt, water surges to save 8 men trapped in Telangana’s SLBC tunnel

The high-stakes rescue mission to save eight trapped workers in the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana has entered its fifth day on Feb 26 with rescuers making relentless efforts to establish contact with trapped men including two engineers, two operators, and four laborers. The operation is described as one of the most complex and dangerous tunnel rescues ever attempted in India due to relentless silt and water surges making access perilous.

Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, citing expert opinions, highlighted the severity of the crisis, emphasizing that the SLBC tunnel’s design — featuring only a single entry and exit —further complicates the rescue. The SLBC is also the world’s longest irrigation tunnel, adding to the operational challenges.

Intense rescue efforts amidst risk to rescuers

Teams of specialists from the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and other agencies are working around the clock to find a breakthrough. Despite their relentless efforts, the continuous inflow of silt and water remains a formidable obstacle, posing significant risks even for trained rescue personnel.

Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santhosh said that before making any move forward, authorities are prioritizing the stability of the tunnel while dewatering efforts continue. “As of now, we have not been able to establish communication with the trapped individuals. We are relying on expert advice from the GSI, National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), and other specialists. L&T experts are also assisting,” he added.

Rescue operation

There has been no direct communication with the trapped workers, although oxygen is being pumped into the tunnel continuously.

Eleven agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy’s Marine Commando Force (MARCOS), NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), GSI, rat miners, and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd, are engaged in the mission.

Experts suspect a slight tectonic shift or geological fault line failure may have triggered the collapse.

Authorities are evaluating the possibility of drilling from the top and sides of the tunnel, ensuring safety remains the top priority.

Meanwhile, a unified command control, led by Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, is overseeing the entire operation. The state government has also consulted Border Security Force General Harpal Singh for expert insights.

Rescue teams managed to reach the tunnel boring machine (TBM) but encountered a 40-50 meter stretch of sludge accumulation, making further progress exceedingly difficult. Additional equipment and reinforcements have since been deployed for another attempt.

Political controversy amid the crisis

Even as the rescue efforts continue, political tensions have flared over the incident. BRS Working President KT Rama Rao has demanded a judicial probe into the tunnel collapse. However, Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy dismissed the demand, stating that this is not the time for politics and that all efforts should be focused on rescuing the trapped workers.

As the mission stretches into its fifth day, rescue teams remain committed to navigating the extreme conditions in a race against time to bring the trapped individuals to safety.