Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operations Intensify in Telangana.
The Telangana government has set a stringent two-day deadline to rescue the eight workers trapped under the debris of the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, which has been a source of escalating concern since the incident occurred on February 22. As the rescue operation enters its fifth day, officials continue to express unwavering hope that the workers are still alive, despite the grim conditions inside the tunnel. The state has mobilised an extensive team of experts, engineers, and elite forces from across India to expedite the complex rescue efforts.
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, speaking on the ongoing situation, highlighted the government’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the search for the workers. He confirmed that, despite the technical challenges and the hazardous conditions, all efforts are focused on preserving human lives. “We have not lost hope, and we continue to work with the belief that the workers are still alive,” said the minister. The incident has become a test of the state’s resilience and its ability to mobilise resources under extreme pressure.The rescue operation is being spearheaded by a multifaceted team that includes members from the Indian Army, the Marine Commando Force, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and rat miners trained to work in confined spaces. Together, they are fighting time as they work through the dense debris that has been severely complicated by fine silt and mud that have accumulated inside the tunnel. These conditions are making it difficult to access the workers, slowing the progress of the rescue operation.
One of the most critical obstacles has been the malfunctioning tunnel boring machine (TBM) that initially caused the accident. According to Uttam Kumar Reddy, the TBM will be disassembled using advanced gas-cutting and welding equipment. Silt will be manually removed with the help of a Bobcat machine, and two high-power pumps will be employed to manage the accumulated water and silt inside the tunnel. The debris removal and pumping operations are planned to start from the furthest point of the tunnel and proceed towards the entrance.
In addition to the ground rescue teams, advanced technology is being utilised to monitor the structural stability of the tunnel in real-time. The ongoing assessment of the tunnel’s condition through imaging systems aims to ensure that the efforts do not endanger the lives of the rescuers or the trapped workers. The use of such technology demonstrates the commitment to using innovative solutions in challenging and dangerous environments.As of now, the government is exploring alternative access routes to speed up the rescue process. A proposal is being discussed to create a bypass tunnel, 300 meters from the current accident site, that could potentially allow machinery and manpower to reach the collapsed section more efficiently. The bypass would reduce the need for workers to travel through the most affected sections of the tunnel, significantly improving the speed of rescue operations.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the emotional and physical toll on both the rescuers and the families of the trapped workers is immense. The constant uncertainty is only alleviated by the tireless efforts of the rescue teams and the community’s shared determination. Local and national agencies have pledged to continue their work, despite the slow-moving progress and mounting pressure to deliver results. The story of the Srisailam tunnel collapse is also a stark reminder of the need for better safety measures in such large-scale infrastructure projects. The government’s response has been a coordinated effort that includes not only human resources but also cutting-edge technology. As rescue teams continue their work, the hope for a miracle persists, and the sense of solidarity in the face of adversity is palpable.
