Rescue operations are in full swing in Telangana as efforts continue to save eight workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel for more than 48 hours. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a section of the 44-kilometer-long tunnel behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool caved in while workers were repairing a leak. While most of the workers managed to escape, eight individuals were left stranded inside and have been out of contact since the collapse. Concerns over their survival have intensified as water and debris continue to obstruct rescue efforts, with state minister Krishna Rao warning that their chances remain bleak.
A joint team comprising the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state disaster response teams have been working round the clock to reach the trapped workers. Additionally, a team of Navy commandos has arrived to assist in the high-risk rescue operation. Notably, six members of the heroic rescue team from last year’s Silkyara tunnel operation in Uttarakhand have also joined the mission, bringing their expertise in handling complex tunnel collapses. The rescue teams are facing immense challenges due to the location of the collapse, which is around 13 kilometers from the tunnel’s entrance. The rescuers have reached within 100 meters of the trapped workers, but a massive pile-up of muck and debris is slowing down progress.
The rescue operation has turned even more complicated due to water seeping through cracks in the tunnel walls. Reports indicate that the walls of the tunnel have sustained significant damage, and shifting boulders have raised concerns over the stability of the structure. Rescuers have highlighted the need for additional equipment to speed up the removal of debris, and authorities are considering alternate routes to reach the trapped workers. The dangerous conditions inside the tunnel have forced rescuers to navigate using rubber tubes and wooden planks, making their movement extremely challenging.
State authorities, along with central government agencies, are closely monitoring the situation. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been taking regular updates on the rescue efforts and has instructed officials to prioritize dewaterisation to remove excess water from the tunnel. Oxygen supply inside the tunnel is also a major concern, and efforts are being made to ensure adequate airflow to the workers. The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that multiple strategies are being explored to safely evacuate the trapped individuals.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose party is in power in Telangana, has spoken with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy regarding the ongoing rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full assistance from the central government. The rescue mission has become a race against time, with every passing hour increasing the urgency of the operation. Despite the dire situation, officials remain hopeful that with relentless efforts, the workers can be brought out safely. The coming hours will be crucial as rescuers battle against challenging conditions to accomplish what is being called one of the most complex tunnel rescues in recent times.
