Telangana Tunnel Collapse: Rescue Efforts Continue as Silt, Water Hinder Progress

Nagarkurnool, Telangana – Rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project tunnel collapse in Telangana's Nagarkurnool entered the fourth day on Tuesday, with efforts intensifying to save eight trapped individuals, including two engineers, two operators, and four laborers.

Top experts from the Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, GSI, and multiple other agencies are engaged in the high-risk operation, facing continuous threats from fast-moving silt and water inside the collapsed tunnel. Authorities have called it one of the most complex rescue missions in India due to the tunnel’s single entry and exit point.

Major Challenges in the Rescue Operation

• The collapse has resulted in heavy sludge accumulation, obstructing access to the trapped workers.

• Water inflow into the tunnel is complicating dewatering efforts.

• Rescue teams are struggling against iron rods and cement blocks entangled within the debris.

Key Developments

• Expert Involvement: Minister for Irrigation Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that 11 specialized agencies, including the Army, Navy's MARCOS, NDRF, SDRF, GSI, Rat Miners, and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd, are involved in the rescue mission.

• Alternative Strategies: Experts are evaluating the possibility of drilling from the top and side of the tunnel to create an access point.

• Government Coordination: Reddy has consulted with Border Security Force General Harpal Singh for additional technical guidance.

Rescue Teams Face Critical Barriers

Nagarkurnool District Collector B. Santhosh emphasized that ensuring tunnel stability remains a priority. He noted that despite extensive efforts, a 40-50 meter stretch remains blocked by 4-5 meters of sludge, hindering access to the trapped individuals.

"We have reached up to the tunnel boring machine (TBM), but beyond that, we face significant obstruction," he said. "We are consulting experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), and L&T."

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Gaikwad stressed that the safety of rescuers remains paramount. Geological experts are analyzing soil samples to determine the best approach moving forward.

Next Steps in the Rescue Operation

• Additional equipment and expert teams have been deployed to remove debris and establish communication with the trapped workers.

• The administration is exploring new techniques to accelerate rescue progress while maintaining safety measures.

• Authorities remain in constant coordination with technical teams to navigate the situation effectively.

The situation remains critical as rescuers race against time to reach the trapped individuals while battling unpredictable geological conditions. Further updates will follow as the operation continues.