Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Feb 26: The ongoing rescue operation to save eight individuals trapped in the partially-collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district made significant progress on the fifth day of efforts. On Wednesday, rescue workers reached the final stretch of the 14-km long tunnel, crossing a challenging 40-meter stretch of debris and slush.
Despite this advancement, there was still no update on the fate of the eight trapped individuals, who include two engineers, two technical staff, and four workers. The tunnel, which collapsed 14 km into its length, has proven to be a difficult and hazardous site for rescuers. The stretch in question is filled with mud, debris, and water seepage, impeding the team’s progress.
A team of experts from multiple agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF), was enlisted to aid in reaching the head portion of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). However, they found that the entire 40-meter stretch was blocked with slush, making movement almost impossible without removing the mud. This task is now central to continuing the rescue operation.
At a review meeting with Telangana ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, officials from the agencies involved in the operation explained that the removal of the slush is essential for the mission's success. The trapped workers are located at the point where the tunnel collapsed, and efforts to reach them have been stalled for more than 24 hours due to the worsening conditions.
Rat miners were also brought in to assess the situation inside the tunnel. They reported that the TBM was not visible, raising concerns that it may have been buried beneath the debris. The ongoing water seepage and 7-9 meters of mud have made the operation extremely dangerous for the rescue teams.
In light of these challenges, the National Disaster Management Authority has reached out to the National Remote Sensing Centre and the Geological Survey of India to conduct assessments of the site, both on the surface and below ground, to enhance safety for the rescue teams.
Despite the involvement of multiple expert teams and advanced equipment, the rescue mission remains one of the most challenging tunnel operations India has ever seen. Several agencies, including the Army, Navy, NDRF, and Singh Collieries, have been part of the rescue efforts, but progress has been slow.
In a recent briefing, officials informed Irrigation Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy that progress cannot be made unless the slush is removed and dewatering is done. This is a critical phase as the trapped men are located at the collapse site, and the chances of survival are diminishing with each passing hour.
The Navy’s Marcos unit and other specialists have faced setbacks due to the high volume of mud and debris. Soil from new cavities continues to fall, exacerbating the problem. Over 100 hours have passed since the incident, and officials fear the survivors' chances of survival are now extremely slim.
The Border Road Organisation is set to join the mission on Wednesday. Agencies involved in the rescue efforts include the Army, Navy, SDRF, L&T, HYDRAA, and others. Disaster Management Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar continues to oversee the operation.
In an update on the situation, Jaypee Group founder Jaiprakash Gaur, whose company is handling the SLBC project, visited the site and assured that every possible effort is being made to rescue the trapped individuals. He emphasized that similar accidents had occurred in his long career, making this the sixth or seventh such incident. After the rescue operation, Gaur said the company would resume work on the project.
The situation remains dire, and the rescue teams continue to fight against time and hazardous conditions to reach the trapped workers.