Rescue efforts at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel encountered a significant setback early on Sunday morning as teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) faced severe difficulties accessing the collapsed section of the tunnel.
“There’s no chance to go to the spot inside the tunnel. It has completely collapsed, and the mud is up to our knees. We will need to take further steps,” an SDRF official reported.
Despite these challenges, SDRF, NDRF, and other rescue teams, along with officials from Singareni Collieries, returned from the site after inspecting the collapsed section, where at least eight workers are feared to be trapped.
The collapse occurred on Saturday morning when a three-meter section of the tunnel’s roof caved in at the 14th km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. This incident took place just days after construction resumed following a prolonged break. While some workers managed to escape, eight laborers are still believed to be trapped inside.
In response to the collapse, teams from the NDRF and SDRF were immediately deployed to the site, and an Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army, based in Secunderabad, was placed on standby. The Army has also brought in an Excavator Dozer to assist with the rescue efforts.
The Engineer Task Force (ETF) is equipped with specialist engineering teams, a Medical detachment from the Army Medical Corps, an ambulance, three high-capacity pumping sets, armoured hoses, and other equipment.
Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, Mallu Ravi, spoke to ANI about the incident, stating, “A very tragic incident happened at the SLBC tunnel. The roof collapsed, and around 60 people were working. Except for eight, all others have come out safely without serious injuries.”
He added, “145 people from NDRF, 120 from SDRF, and others are working tirelessly to save the trapped workers. Oxygen is being pumped into the tunnel, and a 100 HP pump is being used to remove water. A 250 KV generator is also being brought in. Every effort is being made to save their lives.”
In response to the emergency, the Chief Secretary of Telangana requested assistance from the Indian Army, which quickly mobilized its ETF for the critical rescue operation. The army has been coordinating closely with civil authorities and other rescue teams to ensure smooth operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, assuring him of full support from the Central Government in the ongoing rescue efforts.