Telangana tunnel disaster: No breakthrough as muck, water hinder rescuers

Telangana: The fate of eight workers trapped inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana remains uncertain as rescue operations continue without a breakthrough. Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao on Sunday indicated that chances of survival are slim, given the severity of the situation. "We are hopeful, but the nature of the incident was very serious. The chances of survival are not that good," Rao admitted while addressing reporters. He revealed that muck has piled up too high, making navigation extremely difficult for rescuers, who are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to move through the debris.

Massive rescue operation underway

In response to the crisis, the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other agencies have been deployed to carry out rescue efforts. However, the challenging terrain and waterlogging inside the tunnel have made progress slow. Despite tireless efforts, there was no breakthrough on Sunday, authorities confirmed. According to official reports, 70 workers were inside the under-construction tunnel when it collapsed. While most of them managed to escape using an internal train, eight workers remain trapped in a 200-meter stretch filled with water and silt.

Rescue challenges: Waterlogging, debris, and harsh conditions

Videos released by the Telangana government show rescue teams struggling through thick muck, twisted iron rods, and cement blocks inside the tunnel. Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santhosh confirmed that authorities have been unable to establish any communication with the trapped workers. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy acknowledged the difficulties in bringing heavy machinery into the tunnel, as the terrain makes access nearly impossible. A rescue worker elaborated on the logistical hurdles: “There is waterlogging 2 km before the 13.5 km point, making it a challenging task. Our heavy equipment cannot reach the last section due to this. Hence, dewatering must be completed before the equipment can proceed,” he explained.

Bleak hopes amid uncertain future

As time runs out, the chances of survival for the trapped workers appear increasingly grim. Officials are racing against time to remove debris and drain water from the collapsed section, hoping for a miracle rescue. The Telangana government continues to monitor the situation closely, while the families of the trapped workers wait anxiously for updates. The disaster highlights the risks involved in large-scale infrastructure projects and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in such operations.