At least eight workers, including two engineers, two machine operators, and four laborers, are trapped after a section of a roof collapsed inside the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on Saturday.
Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed the incident and stated that the government is seeking assistance from experts, including those involved in last year’s Uttarakhand tunnel rescue. The Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been called in for support.
Rescue Operations and Government Response
The trapped workers were reportedly 14 kilometers inside the tunnel when water and soil seepage increased, forcing them to attempt an evacuation. They also heard a loud sound, indicating a possible geological disturbance.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident and immediately instructed officials, including the district collector, police, fire services, and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), to initiate relief measures.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy also expressed concern, directing officials to ensure the safety of those trapped and provide medical treatment for any injured workers.
Political Reactions
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) criticized CM Revanth Reddy over the accident, holding him accountable for the tragedy. KTR accused the Congress-led government of negligence, stating that frequent infrastructure failures, such as the recent retaining wall collapse in Sunkishala, highlight poor supervision and corruption in contractor dealings.
He called for immediate and efficient rescue operations to save those trapped inside the tunnel.
Specialist Rescue Team Deployed
A 19-member rescue team from Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), a state-owned coal mining firm, has been deployed to assist in rescue operations. SCCL CMD N Balaram told PTI that the company has advanced machinery from Australia, the U.S., and Poland, which can cut through massive rocks and boulders within minutes.
“SCCL has the necessary expertise to handle critical situations such as roof collapses. Our specialized equipment can aid in rapid rescue efforts,” Balaram said.
Sources By Agencies
