A section of the roof, approximately three metres long, of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapsed on Saturday morning near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool District, Telangana. According to reports, six to eight workers are feared to be trapped inside.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with the Telangana & Andhra Sub Area overseeing the efforts. The Engineer Task Force (ETF) of the Bison Division from Secunderabad has been deployed to assist in the mission.
Army medical teams and engineers, equipped with high-capacity pumping sets, armored hoses, excavators, JCBs, and bulldozers, are working relentlessly to clear the debris and ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped.
A joint meeting involving the Civil Administration, NDRF, SDRF, Army, and tunnel construction contractors is underway. The Indian Army is collaborating with all relevant agencies to speed up the rescue operation.
The Army has stated that its top priority is the “swift and safe extraction of those trapped inside,” with further updates to be provided as the mission progresses.
Telangana ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Jupalli Krishna Rao visited the site to oversee rescue efforts for the eight workers still trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.
Various agencies, including the state government, Army, Navy, NDRF, and SDRF, are working together on the operation. The ministers confirmed that dewatering has begun, and oxygen is being regularly pumped into the tunnel to aid the workers.
“We have reviewed the relief operations with the Army, Navy and NDRF representatives. Our government is working hard and putting all our efforts to save the lives of the eight people who are trapped inside,” Uttam Kumar Reddy told ANI while inspecting the rescue efforts.
He also noted that “Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha both spoke to the Chief Minister and expressed their full support and cooperation for the relief measures.”
The collapse took place at the 14 km mark of the under-construction tunnel, just four days after construction work had resumed following a long suspension. While some workers managed to escape, eight remained trapped inside.
