Hyderabad: A high-intensity rescue operation is underway in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district after a section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapsed, trapping eight workers inside. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has mobilized a large-scale effort involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, the Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL), and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).

Officials are racing against time to pump out water, clear debris, and reach the workers, who have been trapped deep inside the 14th-kilometre point of the tunnel. With water filling nearly two kilometres of the passage, the situation remains extremely challenging.

Uncertainty over condition of trapped workers

NDRF Deputy Commandant Sukhendu Datta highlighted the complexity of the operation, stating that their heavy equipment cannot reach the accident site until the water is removed. The rescue teams have repeatedly called out to the trapped workers but have received no response, raising fears about their condition.

"We can’t say where they are or in what condition. The tunnel is filled with water, and our immediate task is to pump it out and clear the debris," Datta said.

High-risk rescue mission underway

Over 250 personnel, including NDRF, SDRF, Army, SCCL, and HYDRAA workers, are deployed in the operation. The authorities are exploring alternative ways to access the trapped men, including digging through the top of the tunnel.

To navigate the flooded passage, fishing boats, wooden planks, and tyres have been mobilized, allowing rescuers to move toward the collapsed section.

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, who is overseeing the operation, stated that the Navy’s assistance is also being sought, and all possible technology and expertise are being utilized to ensure a successful rescue.

What caused the collapse?

The collapse occurred on Saturday morning while 50 workers were engaged in the construction of the long-pending SLBC tunnel project. Officials report that water began entering the tunnel just as work resumed, causing a cave-in that trapped workers positioned near the boring machine.

Workers who managed to escape reported hearing a loud explosion, raising concerns that a geological disturbance may have triggered the incident.

The trapped workers include two engineers and two machine operators, with individuals hailing from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the incident, assuring that the state government is providing full support to rescue efforts and the families of the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Chief Minister and offered full assistance from the Central government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also inquired about the rescue operations in a conversation with the Chief Minister.

The tunnel construction, which had recently resumed after a survey by the Geological Survey of India, was undertaken by a company with a strong track record in tunneling projects. However, the sudden collapse has raised serious concerns about the safety measures in place.

With every passing hour, the rescue mission becomes more urgent as teams work relentlessly to reach the trapped workers. The difficult conditions, submerged tunnel, and uncertainty about the workers’ well-being make this a high-risk operation. Authorities remain hopeful, but the next few hours will be critical in determining whether this mission ends in tragedy or a successful rescue.