Telangana tunnel collapse: SLBC tunnel rescue efforts on in full swing despite hardships, says Minister Uttam Reddy

Rescue operation underway to extricate eight persons who have remained trapped for over 30 hours inside a tunnel after a section of it collapsed in the SLBC project, in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, Sunday (February 23, 2025).
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The Telangana government is making all-out efforts to rescue the eight workers trapped inside the collapsed portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project tunnel in Nagarkurnool district by the joint rescue teams comprising, Army, NDRF, SDRF, Singareni Collieries, NHIDCL personnel with the help of experts who handled the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand.

Minister for Irrigation N. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that as part of the efforts to ensure a swift and safe rescue of those trapped inside, dewatering operation was going on continuously and oxygen (fresh air) is being continuously pumped into the tunnel for the survival of the trapped persons.

Telangana tunnel collapse LIVE updates – February 23, 2024

“We have reviewed the rescue operation with the team leads of all agencies taking part in the rescue work. The government is making all possible efforts to save the eight lives. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is personally monitoring the situation and the entire administration is on a high alert,” Mr. Reddy said after returning to Hyderabad from the tunnel accident site at Domalapenta.

He stated that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi spoke to the Chief Minister and expressed all support for the rescue efforts. Mr. Gandhi personally called the Chief Minister over phone on Sunday for an update, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him on Saturday, assuring all necessary assistance.

The Minister stated that the situation at the accident site was critical and the intense seepage of water and muck deposit on the tunnel floor after collapse of a portion of it was seriously hampering the rescue operation. Steps were taken to prevent waterlogging and the government was also exploring the possibility of employing alternative methods not only to clear the mud and debris inside but also to bring out those trapped in the tunnel safely.

“The natural rock formations in the tunnel became loose, causing sudden water and mud inflow. It’s a highly challenging situation and the technical experts are working round the clock to resolve the crisis”, he explained. He mentioned that taking heavy machinery into the tunnel was was difficult due to the terrain, but officials were working on alternate methods to remove the debris.

He suggested those criticising the government in the tunnel collapse incident, particularly the leaders of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), to offer suggestions if possible instead of making baseless allegations and stop petty politics during the hour of crisis. He made it clear that the rescue operation remains the government’s top priority and “we are totally focused on saving the lives of those trapped inside the tunnel.”