Rescue operations are underway following the collapse of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, which occurred on February 23, 2023, near the Srisailam Dam. This unfortunate incident took place around 200 kilometers south of Hyderabad, and it left eight workers feared trapped within the tunnel after three meters of the roof caved in. The accident struck just days after construction work had resumed.
According to various reports, approximately 60 workers were present at the site when the roof collapsed. While many managed to escape, the entrapment of eight individuals has prompted urgent rescue efforts. Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, Mallu Ravi, described the situation as “a very bad incident” and indicated the challenges faced during the rescue process. “Except eight, all others have come out safely without any serious injuries,” he stated.
Responding to the crisis, the Indian Army quickly mobilized its Engineer Task Force (ETF) to aid the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams already on site. The ETF, specializing in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, is equipped with medical detachments, ambulances, high-capacity pumping sets, and heavy machinery to support the rescue efforts.
Reports indicate the collapse was exacerbated by the sudden inflow of water and soil, causing complications across nearly 8 kilometers of the excavation site. J P Associates and Robin Company, responsible for the tunnel boring, indicated the incident occurred just 30 minutes after work commenced at 8 am.
Mallu Ravi elaborates: “145 people have come from NDRF, Hyderabad, and 120 people have come from SDRF. They are trying their best to save them... Oxygen is going inside the tunnel. There is water inside, and every effort is being made to save their lives.” Such concerted efforts underline the urgency of the situation as rescue operations evolve.
The trapped workers include two engineers from the United States and six laborers hailing from various Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. With heavy machinery and specialist teams on standby, efforts to navigate the treacherous conditions become imperative. Rescue teams are utilizing drones to assess potential dangers and navigate the muck piled up within the 14-kilometer tunnel.
Telangana minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has stressed the importance of coordinating with experts who previously managed rescue operations during similar incidents, highlighting the state’s commitment to ensuring the safe recovery of those trapped. The situation on-site is being monitored continuously by the Headquarters of Telangana & Andhra Sub Area (TASA) and the Infantry Division HQ.
The Indian Army has deployed specialist engineering teams and is coordinating closely with civil authorities to streamline efforts at the incident site. This collaboration is aimed at ensuring the effective use of resources, including heavy machinery like Size II BD80 Dozers and JCBs, all readied for deployment once cleared to proceed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Telangana's Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, to assure him of full support from the Central government, emphasizing the importance of the rescue mission. The Prime Minister's prompt response reflects the national importance of the incident and the government’s commitment to rescuing trapped workers.
The rescue mission continues to focus on ensuring the safe evacuation of all individuals trapped within the tunnel. Amid precarious conditions, rescue teams navigate obstacles to accomplish this exceedingly challenging task. The collaborative efforts between the Army, state officials, and rescue teams demonstrate the resolve to address this dire situation. Each passing moment emphasizes the urgency of their work and the hope for successful outcomes.