Telangana tunnel collapse: Rescue operation for eight trapped workers continues beyond 10 days
PTC Web Desk: Efforts to rescue eight workers trapped inside the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel have now stretched beyond 10 days, with no breakthrough yet. The victims, including engineers and labourers, have been stuck inside since February 22, as rescue teams continue their round-the-clock mission.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Commandant VVN Prasanna Kumar revealed on Monday that 12 specialised agencies are working tirelessly to locate and reach the trapped workers. However, no direct communication has been established with them so far.
"The operation is progressing at full speed. Despite deploying top specialists from across the country, we have not been able to establish the exact location of the trapped workers," Kumar stated, as quoted by ANI. He further explained that the complexity of the tunnel collapse has made the rescue efforts more challenging.
"Due to the technical difficulties involved, we have not achieved success yet. However, we are utilising maximum manpower in a strategic manner, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome soon," he added.
On Sunday, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited the accident site in Nagarkurnool to assess the ongoing rescue mission. He acknowledged the difficulties in pinpointing the exact location of the trapped individuals.
"The rescue teams have a preliminary estimate of where the victims and machinery might be stuck, but they are yet to confirm the exact position," Reddy told the media. He assured that the state government is making every effort to accelerate the rescue process, and additional equipment is being deployed to clear the debris.
#WATCH | SLBC Tunnel Collapse Incident | Nagarkurnool, Telangana: Rescue operation continues for the eight workers who are still trapped inside the tunnel after a portion of it collapsed on 22nd February. pic.twitter.com/KKPUMNflml — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
A key aspect of the operation is fixing the damaged conveyor belt, which is crucial for removing silt and debris from the tunnel. Reddy confirmed that the belt should be operational by Monday, which is expected to expedite the rescue operation.
"The government stands firmly with the families of the trapped workers and is committed to providing all necessary support," the CM added. He also mentioned that it could take another two to three days before the next phase of the operation is determined.
BJP MLA Payal Shankar reassured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the crisis and has assured full support from the Centre.
"PM Modi has been in constant contact with the state government and has provided all the necessary assistance for the rescue mission. We are praying for the safe return of all eight trapped workers," Shankar told ANI.
- With inputs from agencies
