Race Against Time: Rescue Efforts Underway in Telangana Tunnel

Hyderabad: A large-scale rescue operation is in progress to save eight workers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district after a portion of its roof collapsed on Saturday. The incident occurred at the 14th-kilometre mark of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalpenta, leading to significant concerns about the safety of those inside.

According to officials, 50 workers were present in the tunnel when a three-metre section of the roof collapsed. While 42 workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped. Among them are two engineers and two machine operators, while at least two others sustained injuries.

Rescue Efforts Intensify

Authorities, including police, fire services, and irrigation department officials, reached the accident site swiftly and initiated rescue operations. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) later joined the efforts. The workers trapped inside hail from different states, including Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.

On receiving the news, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed state ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupally Krishna Reddy to rush to the site and oversee the rescue operation. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Chief Minister instructed all relevant departments to actively participate in relief efforts and ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. He also assured the victims’ families of government support during this crisis.

Cause of the Collapse Under Investigation

The state government had recently resumed construction work on the SLBC tunnel, aiming to expedite project completion. The firm responsible for the construction restarted work four days before the accident. On Saturday morning, 50 workers entered the tunnel, unaware of the impending disaster.

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the tunnel work had commenced only after a thorough survey by the Geological Survey of India. He emphasized that the contracted construction firm has a commendable tunneling record. However, the accident raised concerns about structural integrity.

According to preliminary reports, soon after work began on Saturday, water started seeping into the tunnel, leading to soil destabilization. Workers who managed to escape reported hearing what sounded like an explosion, possibly caused by geological disturbances.

Reddy acknowledged the complexities of the rescue operation due to the location of the accident, which occurred 14 kilometers inside the tunnel. He assured that the state government is taking all necessary measures, including calling in top tunneling experts from across the country to assist in the mission.

Central Government Assures Support

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to discuss the situation. Modi assured that an NDRF team was being deployed immediately to bolster rescue efforts and extended full support from the central government. The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing rescue operation and reiterated the state government’s commitment to saving the trapped workers.

Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari also coordinated with officials who had handled a similar tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand recently, seeking insights and technical guidance. The authorities continue to explore alternative rescue strategies, including drilling from above if required.

The Path Ahead

As rescue teams work tirelessly under challenging conditions, the families of the trapped workers await positive news. The government has pledged to do everything possible to ensure their safe return while simultaneously investigating the reasons behind the collapse. The SLBC tunnel, crucial for irrigation and water management in the region, now stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks involved in large-scale infrastructure projects.

The rescue mission continues with the hopes of safely retrieving all eight trapped individuals as swiftly as possible.