Hyderabad, Telangana – March 2, 2025 – A catastrophic tunnel collapse occurred at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) near Domalapenta, Nagarkurnool district, on February 22, 2025, trapping eight workers and leaving the region in shock. The workers, including engineers, machine operators, and laborers, were engaged in tunnel construction activities when a section of the roof collapsed. Despite over 50 workers being present at the site, only eight remain trapped approximately 14 kilometers into the tunnel.
Rescue Operations Underway
Since the incident, rescue operations have been in full swing. Nearly 600 personnel, including members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, the Navy, and local rescue teams, have been mobilized to retrieve the trapped workers. The operations, which have now entered their second week, face significant challenges, including water accumulation within the tunnel and the unstable condition of the debris. While advanced equipment such as endoscopic and robotic cameras has been used to assess the situation, rescuers are still struggling to reach the trapped individuals.
Rescue teams have been working round the clock, and the government has employed high-tech equipment like plasma gas cutters to clear debris. South Central Railway (SCR) teams have also joined the operation to remove metal debris obstructing access.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The collapse has become the center of political controversy, with members of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) alleging that negligence by authorities led to the disaster. Party leaders claim that workers had previously raised concerns about water seepage within the tunnel, but management pressured them to continue with their work, which ultimately contributed to the collapse.
BRS Working President KT Rama Rao questioned the Telangana government over the confusion surrounding the fate of the trapped workers, accusing officials of miscommunication. In a statement, he expressed concern over the government’s handling of the situation and the lack of clarity about the trapped individuals’ whereabouts.
Government’s Response and Progress
The Telangana government has refuted reports that bodies have been discovered, maintaining that rescue operations are ongoing. Government officials are hopeful that progress is being made, with debris removal operations entering their final stages. The government has also enlisted experts from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to assess the stability of the surrounding areas, ensuring that further collapses are unlikely.
Although rescue efforts have intensified, experts acknowledge that the final stretch of the tunnel remains a major obstacle due to the accumulation of debris and muck. As the situation progresses, authorities are hopeful that the workers may still be rescued, despite the daunting challenges.
National and Community Support
The tragic incident has drawn widespread attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaching out to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, offering assistance to expedite the rescue efforts. While officials continue to work tirelessly, the families of the trapped workers hold out hope for a miracle.
As rescue operations persist, the incident has left the people of Telangana in a state of anxiety and sorrow, waiting for news that may bring an end to this tragic event.