Eight workers remain trapped in a collapsed tunnel near the Srisailam Dam in Telangana, where a major rescue operation is underway. The workers were inside the tunnel when it collapsed on Saturday while they were attempting to repair a leak. Despite the ongoing efforts of rescue teams, the situation remains grim, with authorities warning that the chances of survival for the trapped workers are “very, very remote.”
The tunnel collapse and rescue operation
The 44-km-long tunnel, situated behind the Srisailam Dam in Nagarkurnool, collapsed on Saturday morning. While the majority of workers managed to escape, eight remain stuck inside, cut off from contact. Four of the trapped workers are laborers, while the other four are employees of the construction company involved in the repair work.
A large team consisting of the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state rescue agencies, and even Navy commandos are working tirelessly to free the trapped workers. Six members of the heroic team from the Silkyara tunnel operation in Uttarakhand have also been deployed to assist in this difficult rescue mission.
Obstacles faced by rescue teams
The collapse occurred approximately 13 km from the mouth of the tunnel, and while rescuers have reached the final 100 meters, water and a buildup of muck have significantly slowed their progress. The conditions inside the tunnel are hazardous, with shifting boulders making the situation unstable. The rescuers have resorted to using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate through the debris, but the pileup of muck makes it impossible to walk through the area. Despite these setbacks, authorities remain hopeful, continuing the operation with urgency.
Authorities have requested additional equipment to aid in the mission, and the need for dewatering the tunnel has been flagged as a critical priority. Furthermore, the noise of shifting rocks raises concerns about the structural integrity of the tunnel and whether the workers’ position remains safe.
Political leaders and ongoing support
Both the Chief Minister of Telangana and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi have been closely monitoring the situation. The Prime Minister has also extended full support for the ongoing rescue operation. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s office has reported that constant reviews are taking place, with arrangements being made to provide oxygen and drain water from inside the tunnel. The rescue teams are also exploring alternative routes to reach the trapped workers.
Despite the slim chances of survival, authorities are not sparing any effort and continue to fight against the clock.