SLBC tunnel disaster: How Telangana’s irrigation project turns into crisis

Telangana: A devastating tunnel collapse in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district has left eight workers trapped, sparking a massive rescue operation. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 AM on Saturday at the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC). Rescue teams are facing significant challenges in reaching the trapped workers due to heavy mud accumulation, making access nearly impossible. A member of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) stated, "There's no chance to go to the spot inside the tunnel. It has completely collapsed, and mud is reaching up to the knees. We will have to take another step."

Indian army joins rescue efforts

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Indian Army was deployed to assist in the ongoing operations. The Engineer Task Force (ETF) arrived at the site equipped with an excavator dozer, ready to support the rescue teams.

PM Modi assures assistance; CM Revanth Reddy responds

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy immediately reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him on the crisis and the state government’s rescue efforts. PM Modi assured the Chief Minister that the central government would provide any necessary assistance. Later on Saturday night, Revanth Reddy held a high-level meeting with state ministers to review the situation. He reassured those affected that the government stands firmly with them during this challenging time.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP express concern

Congress MP Mallu Ravi revealed that workers had been using a tunnel boring machine from the USA, with foreign engineers present at the site during the collapse. He added that mud and water flooded the tunnel, blocking any potential escape routes. Expressing solidarity with the trapped workers, Rahul Gandhi posted on X, "Deeply distressed to learn about the tunnel roof collapse in Telangana. My thoughts are with those trapped inside and their families at this difficult time. I have been informed that rescue operations are underway, and the state government along with disaster relief teams are doing everything possible to expeditiously bring back those in danger."

Telangana minister assures safety and rescue progress

Telangana Minister Uttam Reddy, who visited the collapse site, shared visuals from the scene and spoke with the project’s American manager. He detailed the significance of the 44-kilometer-long tunnel, which is designed to supply 30 TMC of irrigation water to fluoride-affected and backward regions in Nalgonda district. "We will recover from this setback and complete the project," Reddy affirmed. He further noted that multiple departments, including the Fire and Disaster Management teams, irrigation officials, and the police, were coordinating rescue efforts under senior officers’ supervision. Encouragingly, authorities confirmed that oxygen supply to the trapped workers remains uninterrupted, as the tunnel’s ventilation system continues to function.

Survivors and current status

At the time of the collapse, around 60 workers were present at the site. Fortunately, all except eight managed to escape safely. Rescue operations continue as teams battle against time to reach the trapped personnel.