[Telangana - 23rd Feb 2025]
In a swift response to a tunnel collapse near the Srisailam Dam in Telangana, the Indian Army has mobilised its specialised Task Force to assist in the ongoing rescue operations. The incident, which occurred yesterday, has left at least eight workers trapped inside the tunnel, prompting a multi-agency effort to bring them to safety.
The Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) was deployed following an urgent request from the Chief Secretary of Telangana. The ETF, renowned for its expertise in such critical operations, is equipped with advanced engineering teams, a Medical Detachment from the Army Medical Corps, an ambulance, and high-capacity pumping sets. Additionally, armoured hoses and other essential accessories have been deployed to aid the rescue mission. Supporting the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), an Engineer Regiment from the Infantry Division based in Secunderabad has been placed on standby. The regiment has an Excavator Dozer ready to assist in clearing debris and facilitating access to the trapped workers.
The Collapse and Rescue Efforts
The tunnel, part of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project in Nagarkurnool district, collapsed yesterday while workers were repairing a leak. The 44-kilometre-long tunnel is a crucial component of the irrigation project, designed to supply water to the Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts. While many workers managed to escape, eight individuals operating a tunnel-boring machine were trapped inside.
Exclusive footage accessed by NDTV revealed the harrowing scene inside the tunnel, with rescue workers calling out the names of the trapped labourers in the hope of receiving a response. The internal communication system within the tunnel failed shortly after the collapse, leaving rescuers unable to establish direct contact with the workers. Videos from the site show rescue teams navigating through mangled infrastructure and debris blocking the tunnel’s entrance. Inside, workers are inspecting pumping stations and assessing the structural damage to determine the next steps. However, the presence of muck mixed with water, spread over 200-300 metres within the tunnel, has significantly complicated rescue efforts.
Challenges and Ongoing Operations
A government report highlighted the critical challenges faced by rescue teams. An earth fracture on the tunnel wall has caused water to gush into the structure, necessitating dewatering before the operation can proceed. Additionally, the sounds of shifting boulders indicate that the roof of the collapsed section remains unstable, posing further risks to both rescuers and trapped workers.
To bolster the rescue mission, at least four NDRF teams are en route to the site, joining state personnel already engaged in the operation. A tunnel-boring machine is also being transported to the location to aid in clearing the debris and creating a safe passage for the trapped workers.
Government Response and Monitoring
The Telangana government is closely monitoring the situation, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy holding a review meeting yesterday to assess the progress of the rescue efforts. During the meeting, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar provided an update on the current situation, while State Adviser (Irrigation) Adityanath Das and Adviser to the Chief Minister Vem Narender Reddy were also present.
Chief Minister Reddy has directed officials to expedite the rescue operations and ensure that the affected families receive all necessary support from the government. He also sought updates on the condition of the injured workers, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
Round-the-Clock Efforts
The rescue operation is being conducted on a war footing, with state and central agencies working in coordination to overcome the challenges posed by the unstable tunnel structure and the influx of water. The situation is being monitored 24/7, with all available resources deployed to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.
As the rescue mission continues, the combined efforts of the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and state authorities offer a glimmer of hope for the trapped workers and their families. The incident underscores the risks faced by those working on critical infrastructure projects and highlights the importance of swift, coordinated disaster response efforts. The nation watches anxiously as the rescue teams work tirelessly to bring the workers to safety, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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