Nagarkurnool (Telangana), February 28 (ANI): A large-scale rescue operation is ongoing at the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel in Domalapenta, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, to save workers trapped after a tunnel collapse on February 22. Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that officials are working tirelessly with the assistance of national and international experts, assuring that rescue and relief operations would be completed within two to three days, and the tunnel works would resume in two to three months.
Reddy called the accident one of the most complicated tunnel disasters in Indian history, noting that multiple national and international agencies have come together for the rescue effort. Eleven top agencies specializing in tunnel disasters are leading the operation, coordinating their expertise to reach the trapped workers.
The minister explained that the rescue teams are working around the clock using advanced technology and equipment such as plasma cutters, high-grade shutters, and debris removal machinery. Tunnel boring machines and dewatering processes have also been activated to clear obstructions. “This is an extremely challenging operation, and the best experts in the field are involved. They are working selflessly, risking their own lives to complete this rescue,” said Reddy.
Uttam Kumar Reddy strongly condemned the criticism of the rescue operations by BRS leaders, particularly Harish Rao. He blamed the previous BRS regime for the tunnel collapse, accusing them of neglecting the SLBC project for a decade. He pointed out that if the project had been completed on time, it would have provided 30 TMC of water to Telangana, benefiting three to four lakh acres of agricultural land in Nalgonda.
Reddy further criticized Harish Rao for making unnecessary comments, questioning whether he believed his knowledge surpassed that of top tunnel engineers and experts. “Does he think he knows more than the Indian Army, Navy commandos, and BRO teams who are risking their lives in this rescue?” Reddy asked. He dismissed the BRS leaders’ visit to the site as political theatrics, contrasting it with their lack of response during previous incidents such as the Srisailam Left Bank Power Station blast and the Devadula project fatalities.
Additionally, Reddy accused the BRS leadership of mismanaging Telangana’s irrigation sector, citing failed projects like Palamuru-Rangareddy, Kaleshwaram, and SLBC, which were marred by inefficiency and corruption. “They should have some shame before speaking,” Reddy said, emphasizing that the Congress government is committed to completing the SLBC project transparently and effectively.
Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Family Pleas
As rescue efforts persist, the families of the trapped workers are anxiously awaiting their safe return. Gurpreet Singh, one of the eight workers trapped, is the sole breadwinner of his family. His relatives have appealed to the government to expedite the rescue operations. Kalwan Singh, his uncle, expressed hope for their loved ones’ safe return, saying, “We request the government to rescue Gurpreet and all the other men trapped inside.”
A section of the roof at the 14 km mark of the under-construction SLBC tunnel collapsed on February 22, just four days after construction had resumed following a long hiatus. While some workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped. Reddy provided an update, reassuring the public that a concrete plan has been devised to minimize risks to rescuers and speed up operations. “We will finish everything in two days,” he said.
The rescue operation is a race against time, with all agencies working together to ensure the safe return of the trapped workers.
