Telangana tunnel collapse: Rescue efforts in final stages amid challenges

Rescue teams are working around the clock to reach eight workers trapped inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana. The multi-agency operation, now in its fifth day, faces significant hurdles due to debris and water accumulation inside the tunnel.

Rescue Teams Face Challenges

A portion of the SLBC tunnel collapsed on February 22, trapping eight workers inside. Rescue teams, including MARCOS Naval Commandos, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, and expert "rat miners," have been deployed to save them. However, the operation has been slowed by large amounts of debris and water blocking access routes.

Deployment of Elite Forces

The Telangana government has intensified efforts, calling in MARCOS Naval Commandos and BRO for additional support. Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the situation is being carefully assessed, and strategies are being put in place to minimize risks and speed up the operation.

Alternative Access and Dewatering Operations

Authorities are exploring alternative access routes, including side and main exits, to reach the trapped workers. One of the biggest obstacles is the presence of muddy water obstructing the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which must be cut open to reach the workers. Dewatering efforts have been increased using advanced equipment to clear the tunnel and ensure a safe rescue.

Technological Support and Progress

Real-time imaging systems are being used to monitor tunnel stability. On Tuesday, a 20-member rescue team managed to reach a key section of the tunnel, surpassing the 40-meter mark, but they have not yet located the workers.

Top engineers from New Delhi, along with the BRO, are providing technical guidance. The government is also considering involving international tunnel rescue specialists if needed. Remote-controlled devices, precision excavation tools, and high-tech imaging systems are being used to assist in the operation.

Ensuring Structural Stability

Authorities are reinforcing weakened sections of the tunnel to prevent further collapses. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is personally overseeing the rescue efforts, ensuring that all necessary resources are deployed.

The SLBC tunnel is a crucial part of the Alimineti Madhava Reddy Project, designed to provide irrigation to three lakh acres in Nalgonda and supply drinking water to fluoride-affected villages. Despite past delays, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has reaffirmed the project’s importance and the government’s commitment to completing it safely.

Hope and Continued Efforts

Rescue teams remain determined to bring the trapped workers to safety. With intensified dewatering, reinforced tunnel support, and cutting-edge technology, authorities are hopeful that the rescue operation will be completed soon.