Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save eight workers trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. The workers have been stuck inside for nearly 48 hours. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has entered the tunnel and is making efforts to reach them.
Difficult Conditions Hinder Progress
Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao expressed concerns about the workers’ survival. He said the tunnel is filled with debris, making it impossible to walk. “Muck has piled up too high inside the tunnel, making it impossible to walk through,” he said. Rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to move forward.
How the Collapse Happened
A three-meter section of the tunnel’s roof collapsed on Saturday morning. The incident took place at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district. Construction work had resumed just four days earlier after a long pause. Some workers escaped, but eight remained trapped.
Rescuers Face Major Challenges
NDRF officials are removing water from the tunnel, but debris is blocking access. The team has covered 13.5 km inside using locomotives and conveyor belts. The last 200 meters remain completely blocked. Rescuers called out to the workers but received no response.
Flooded Sections Slow the Rescue
Water has filled the area between 11 and 13 km inside the tunnel. Rescue teams must clear it before moving further. The SDRF team reported that the tunnel is knee-deep in mud, making movement difficult. Officials are looking for alternative ways to reach the trapped workers.
Trapped Workers Identified
The eight workers include two engineers, two operators, and four laborers. They are from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Jharkhand. Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari confirmed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren has spoken to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy about the situation.
Indian Army Joins Rescue Efforts
The Engineer Task Force (ETF) from the Bison Division in Secunderabad has joined the rescue. The Indian Army is working closely with other agencies to speed up operations. Officials have assured that their priority is to safely evacuate the trapped workers.
Race Against Time
Authorities are using advanced equipment to clear debris. Rescuers are battling against time and harsh conditions to bring the workers out safely.