A critical incident unfolded in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district as a part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project collapsed, entrapping eight individuals. Rescue operations, backed by the Indian Army, NDRF, and experts, are ongoing. An SDRF personnel reported the impossibility of entering the tunnel due to knee-deep mud, necessitating alternate strategies. The irrigation minister informed that specialists from last year's Joshimath tunnel accident in Uttarakhand are assisting, alongside the Indian Army and NDRF teams ensuring fresh air supply to those trapped.
PM Modi Assures Full Support
In a show of concern, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, promising every possible assistance from the center.
Rahul Gandhi Expresses Concerns
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep concern, posting on X about ongoing rescue efforts alongside state cooperation with disaster relief teams aiming for a swift and safe recovery of those trapped.
Jharkhand CM Ready to Assist
Jharkhand's CM Hemant Soren noted reports of workers from Jharkhand and other states being trapped. He urged Telangana's CM to provide all necessary aid, expressing heartfelt wishes for their safe return while coordinating with Telangana for continuous updates and assistance.
Source: aajtak
Who is Trapped?
- Two engineers (from an infrastructure company)- Two operators (from an American company)- Four laborers (from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Jammu-Kashmir)
Details of the Collapse
According to PTI, Saturday morning saw over 50 people enter with a 200-meter boring machine. As they ventured 13.5 kilometers in, a segment collapsed, entrapping eight, while 42 others managed to escape. It’s reported that sudden water and loose soil caused the collapse, obstructing rescue routes with debris 14 kilometers in. Drones are assessing the situation, amid hesitations from teams due to loud interior sounds.
Government Orders
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is actively monitoring, directing accelerated rescue efforts. A team of 19 SCCL experts is onsite, experienced in such rescues.
44 KM Tunnel Work in Progress
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the tunnel as potentially the world's longest at 44 km, vital for channeling Srisailam Project water to 400,000 acres in Nalgonda district, with 9.5 km pending completion.
Current Operations
- Rescue operations are ongoing overnight- Drone assessments are being conducted- Army, NDRF, SDRF, and SCCL teams are deployed
Concerns Voiced by Minister Kishan Reddy
Minister Girish Kishan Reddy expressed concern, seeking details on the cause and rescue efforts, urging immediate medical care for injuries.
