The rescue operation for eight labourers trapped in Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel is nearing completion, expected within two days, according to state Minister Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy. The Indian Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) and the Border Roads Organisation are involved. A concrete plan has been developed to ensure the safety of both rescuers and the trapped workers, with new strategies to minimize risks. Dewatering efforts are intensified to address muddy water obstructing access, while structural integrity assessments are ongoing. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is monitoring the situation closely after the tunnel collapse on Saturday.
The operation to rescue eight workers trapped in Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel is nearing completion, according to state Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy. He mentioned that the rescue efforts are expected to conclude within two days.
For this final phase, the Indian Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) and the Border Roads Organisation have been engaged, as stated by the minister.
After a thorough assessment over the past two days, Mr. Reddy announced that a concrete action plan has been established to ensure the safety of both the rescuers and the trapped individuals.
“The evaluation yesterday indicated that the rescuers could be at significant risk themselves,” he remarked.
However, after a fresh assessment, new strategies have been implemented to reduce risks for the rescue teams.
“We now possess a clearly defined plan and are speeding up the rescue and relief operations,” he noted. Experts are considering alternative access routes, including approaches from the side and the main exit, to hasten the rescue process.
One of the primary challenges in the rescue mission has been the muddy water hindering access to the Tunnel Boring Machine where the workers are trapped. To address this issue, the state has ramped up dewatering efforts.
Specialists are continuously evaluating the structural integrity of the tunnel to ensure that the rescue teams can proceed safely without posing risks to the trapped workers or the responders.
Officials have been instructed to expedite debris removal and reinforce weakened sections of the tunnel to avoid further incidents.
The minister indicated that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that all vital agencies remain present at the site until the workers are safely rescued.
The workers became trapped when a segment of the tunnel in Nagarkurnool district collapsed on Saturday morning. The minister had previously expressed limited hope for finding any survivors.