Rescue operations continue in full swing at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, where eight workers remain trapped after a partial collapse on February 22. Despite the tireless efforts of over 500 rescue personnel from the Army, Navy, Singareni Collieries, and other agencies, no breakthrough has been achieved yet.
Rescuers Cut Through Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
In a desperate attempt to reach the trapped workers, rescue teams are cutting through a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to create a passage, according to officials quoted by PTI. However, waterlogging and slush inside the tunnel continue to hamper rescue efforts.
Families Await Updates
The families of the trapped workers are growing anxious as they wait for updates. Gurpreet Singh’s family expressed frustration, claiming they had received no official information about the progress of the rescue. A relative even requested permission to enter the tunnel but was denied, as reported by ANI.
Latest Developments in Rescue Efforts
- Army medical teams have been deployed inside the SLBC tunnel with medical supplies to support the rescue operation.
- Congress MLA Chikkudu Vamshi confirmed that 12 departments are working together, with experienced personnel from Singareni mines playing a crucial role.
- Nagarkurnool Superintendent of Police (SP) Vaibhav Gaikwad stated that teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, and other agencies are continuously working to reach the workers.
- TBM parts are being cut to clear the path ahead, while dewatering and debris removal operations are also underway.
- Scientists from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) have used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect “anomalies” inside the tunnel, but their exact nature remains unclear due to challenging conditions like accumulated mud and water.
Trapped Workers Identified
The eight trapped workers include:
- Manoj Kumar (UP), Sri Niwas (UP), Sunny Singh (J&K), Gurpreet Singh (Punjab),
- Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, Santosh Sahu, and Anuj Sahu (all from Jharkhand).
Among them, two are engineers, two are operators, and four are labourers employed by Jaiprakash Associates, the contracting firm for the SLBC tunnel project.
Officials Hope for a Breakthrough Soon
Officials remain hopeful that significant progress will be made by Saturday evening, as slush removal is being carried out at a war footing. Experts with experience in Singareni mines are actively assisting in the operation.
The Telangana government has assured that all resources are being utilized to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers. The rescue operation enters its seventh day, with authorities racing against time to save the lives of those still inside.
Sources By Agencies
