KKN Gurugram Desk | A major rescue operation is underway in Telangana’s Nagar Kurnool district after a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapsed, trapping eight workers inside. The incident has created a critical situation as State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams struggle to reach the affected area due to severe obstacles inside the tunnel.
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Obstacles in Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams face significant difficulties in accessing the collapsed section of the tunnel. Mud and debris have blocked all entry points, making it extremely challenging for officials to carry out operations. The tunnel is filled with water and thick sludge, further complicating the rescue efforts.
An SDRF official stated that there is no clear entry route into the tunnel, and the collapse has completely sealed off the pathway. The authorities have started exploring alternative methods to rescue the trapped workers.
How the Incident Happened
According to reports, over 50 workers were inside the tunnel during the first shift when the accident occurred. The workers were about 13.5 kilometers deep inside the tunnel when a sudden rush of water caused a section of the structure to collapse.
Sequence of Events
- 50 workers were operating inside the tunnel.
- A high-pressure water flow led to the sudden collapse of a section.
- 42 workers managed to escape, but 8 remained trapped due to the debris.
- A tunnel boring machine (TBM) was also affected by the collapse.
An NDRF official reported that they attempted to make contact with the trapped workers by calling out their names near the tunnel boring machine, but no response was received. The collapsed section is about 200 meters long and filled with debris. Before any rescue can take place, the water inside the tunnel must be drained.
Rescue Operations: Challenges and Government Response
The Telangana government has deployed multiple agencies, including NDRF, SDRF, and Singareni Collieries experts, to lead the operation. Authorities are using high-power pumps to remove water and advanced drones to assess the situation inside the tunnel.
Key actions taken so far:
- 145 NDRF personnel from Hyderabad have been deployed.
- 120 SDRF members are assisting in the rescue efforts.
- High-capacity pumps (100 HP) and a 250 KV generator have been arranged to drain water.
- Oxygen supply is being sent inside the tunnel to ensure survival.
Officials are working round-the-clock to find the safest way to reach the trapped workers.
Who Are the Trapped Workers?
The eight trapped individuals include engineers, operators, and laborers from different parts of India. They belong to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The Army’s Engineering Task Force (ETF) has been deployed to provide additional expertise in handling the rescue. The Army Medical Corps is also on standby to provide emergency assistance once the workers are rescued.
Structural Failure: What Went Wrong?
Authorities have revealed that the tunnel was intact up to 13 kilometers, but at the 14-kilometer mark, the structure gave way. The collapse is believed to have been triggered by sudden water ingress, which eroded the soil and caused the tunnel’s upper section to collapse.
Officials are concerned about the stability of the remaining sections of the tunnel, making the rescue operation even more delicate.
PM Modi Assures Full Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally spoken to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to assess the situation. The Prime Minister assured the state government that all necessary assistance from the central government would be provided to accelerate the rescue operations.
Rahul Gandhi Expresses Concern
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed deep concern over the tragic incident. He mentioned that the state government is working closely with disaster relief teams to save the trapped workers as quickly as possible.
Current Situation and Next Steps
As of now, authorities are still trying to clear the blocked section of the tunnel. The water levels must be reduced before any debris removal can begin.
Experts suggest that once the water is drained, small robotic equipment or specialized tunneling machinery might be used to clear the debris. However, it remains uncertain how long the process will take.
Key Concerns Moving Forward
- Survival of the trapped workers – Oxygen supply is being maintained, but their exact condition remains unknown.
- Speed of debris clearance – Rescuers are working against time to reach them before conditions worsen.
- Tunnel stability – Structural engineers are monitoring risks of further collapses.
The rescue mission in Telangana’s SLBC tunnel collapse continues to be one of the most challenging operations in recent years. Authorities remain hopeful, but time is running out.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
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