SLBC Tunnel Crisis: Rescue Efforts Intensify

Telangana: Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that intensive efforts are being made to rescue the eight workers trapped in the SLBC tunnel collapse. Authorities are considering drilling from the top if necessary. On Sunday morning, he reviewed the situation with officials from various departments and later addressed the media.

“Rescue operations are underway inside the tunnel, with the state government, Army, Navy, NDRF, SDRF, and other agencies working together. Oxygen is being continuously pumped to the trapped workers, and we are utilizing advanced machinery for the rescue. However, the situation remains critical as water flow is hindering relief efforts. The area around the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is filled with water and mud, and drainage operations are in progress to clear it quickly. Alternative rescue routes are also being explored,” he said.

Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is personally monitoring the situation, while Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has also visited the accident site. He assured that discussions with Army, Navy, and NDRF representatives are ongoing to expedite relief efforts.

Expressing disappointment, Uttam Kumar Reddy accused the central government of politicizing the incident. He alleged that the SLBC project had been neglected for ten years under the central government’s watch, which may have contributed to the accident.

“The government at the Centre ignored this project for a decade and is now trying to evade responsibility. Similar incidents have occurred under their administration as well. Instead of making baseless political allegations, everyone should focus on supporting the relief efforts,” he urged.