Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Minister Rao Provides A Major Update

Two days after a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) collapsed, trapping eight workers within, hope is waning as rescuers continue to find no way to approach the damaged section. It is estimated that clearing the material that is obstructing the tunnel's entrance will take around a month.

In fact, despite the relentless efforts by the Indian Army, NDRF, and other agencies, no breakthrough has been achieved so far. NDRF Deputy Commandant Sukhendu Datta said the force had covered around 13.5 km inside the tunnel, primarily using locomotives and conveyor belts. "Yesterday around 10 PM, we went inside to check what the situation was like. The locomotives were used to enter the tunnel. From the gate of the tunnel, we covered a total of around 13.5 km. We covered 11 km by train and then the rest of 2 km by conveyor belt and by walking," he stated.

Considering the situation, Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said on Monday, 24 February, “The chances of survival for the eight individuals trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel are "very remote," though every effort is being made to reach them.”

"We can't say. We are hopeful, but the kind of incident that took place was very serious and chances are we can not say. The chances of survival can not be predicted. Chances are not that good," he stated when asked about the chances of survival of the trapped persons.