Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Rescue Operations Enter Sixth Day, Authorities Race Against Time

The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse in Telangana has entered its sixth day, with rescue teams working tirelessly to evacuate the eight trapped workers. The incident, which occurred on February 22, 2025, has posed significant challenges due to the difficult terrain, the presence of debris, and flooding inside the tunnel.

Authorities remain hopeful but cautious as they continue their meticulous rescue efforts, deploying high-tech equipment, specialized teams, and emergency medical support.

Incident Overview: What Happened?

1. The Collapse
   
   • On February 22, 2025, a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, collapsed while construction work was underway.
   • The collapse occurred approximately 300 meters inside the tunnel, leading to the trapping of eight workers under massive piles of debris.
   • A sudden water inflow, along with loose soil and concrete slabs, complicated the rescue operation from the very beginning.
2. Who Are the Trapped Workers?
   
   • The eight workers trapped inside the tunnel come from various states across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jharkhand.
   • Names of the trapped individuals:
     • Manoj Kumar (Uttar Pradesh)
     • Sri Niwas (Uttar Pradesh)
     • Sunny Singh (Jammu and Kashmir)
     • Gurpreet Singh (Punjab)
     • Sandeep Sahu (Jharkhand)
     • Jegta Xess (Jharkhand)
     • Santosh Sahu (Jharkhand)
     • Anuj Sahu (Jharkhand)
3. Initial Response and Challenges Faced
   
   • The Telangana Disaster Response Force (TDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were immediately deployed to the scene.
   • However, rescue operations faced severe challenges, including:
     • Continuous water seepage inside the tunnel.
     • Limited access points to the collapsed section.
     • Heavy debris blocking the route.
     • High-risk conditions due to unstable structures.

Current Status of Rescue Operations

Efforts by Rescue Teams

1. Use of Advanced Technology
   
   • Specialized drilling equipment has been brought in to remove debris safely.
   • Robotic cameras and drones are being used to assess the condition inside the tunnel.
   • High-pressure water pumps are working to clear floodwater.
2. Manual Rescue Operations
   
   • Rescue workers are manually clearing debris in an attempt to create a safe passage for the trapped workers.
   • Oxygen cylinders and ventilation systems have been deployed to ensure that the air quality inside the tunnel remains stable.
3. Health and Safety Measures
   
   • Medical teams and ambulances are on standby at the site.
   • Emergency food and water supplies are being prepared in case of an extended rescue mission.
   • Counseling teams are assisting the families of the trapped workers.

Why Is the Telangana Tunnel Rescue Operation So Challenging?

1. Structural Issues Inside the Tunnel

• The SLBC tunnel was being constructed for irrigation purposes, but the weak geological structure caused unexpected collapses.
• The risk of further cave-ins has forced rescuers to proceed with extreme caution.

2. Comparison with Other Rescue Operations

• Experts have compared this incident with the Silkyara tunnel rescue in Uttarakhand, where workers were trapped for 17 days.
• However, the Telangana rescue is even more difficult because:
  • The tunnel lacks escape routes.
  • Water seepage is increasing the danger.
  • The collapsed debris is heavier and more compact.

Government and Political Reactions

1. Telangana Government’s Response
   
   • Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered all possible resources to be deployed.
   • The Telangana State Road Development Corporation (TSRDC) has been directed to investigate the cause of the collapse.
2. Center’s Involvement
   
   • The Central Government has assured full support, sending additional NDRF teams to assist in the rescue.
   • Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has emphasized the need for stronger safety protocols in tunnel construction projects.

Families of Trapped Workers: Anxiously Waiting for News

• Emotional scenes unfolded at the tunnel site as family members gathered, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.
• Some have accused the construction companies of negligence, demanding a detailed investigation.
• Government officials have promised compensation and job security for the families of the workers.

What Happens Next?

• The next 24-48 hours will be crucial in determining the fate of the trapped workers.
• If manual clearance proves too slow, authorities may attempt a sideway drilling operation to create an alternative escape path.
• A post-rescue investigation will examine safety lapses and responsibility for the accident.

Moving Ahead

The Telangana tunnel collapse has become one of the most challenging rescue operations in recent times. As rescue teams continue their efforts, families, authorities, and the entire nation wait anxiously for a successful outcome.

The incident highlights the urgent need for better safety measures in large-scale infrastructure projects. Authorities must ensure worker safety remains a top priority to prevent such tragedies in the future.

By – Nikita