Telangana tunnel accident: Rescue ops intensified by removing obstacles to reach trapped persons

Nagarkurnool, Telangana, Feb 27 – Rescue operations in the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel have entered a critical phase, with teams working relentlessly to clear obstacles and locate the eight trapped individuals. Authorities have begun cutting parts of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and other obstructions that have hindered access to the affected area.

According to Nagarkurnool Superintendent of Police (SP) Vaibhav Gaikwad, damaged portions of the conveyor belt inside the tunnel are expected to be repaired today, facilitating the removal of debris. "Gas cutting machines have already been deployed inside. Cutting work was carried out even during the night," he confirmed.

Strategic Rescue Efforts Underway​

Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the TBM, which remains stuck, will be cut into sections using gas cutters to enable further rescue attempts. Following this, personnel from the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and expert rat miners will make another concerted effort to reach the missing workers while ensuring their own safety.

However, SP Gaikwad could not confirm whether the trapped individuals would be located by the end of the day.

Concerns Over Worker Safety and Panic Among Labourers​

Reports suggest that fear has gripped the workforce engaged in the SLBC project, with some labourers considering leaving the site. A senior government official stated that 800 workers are involved in the project, with 300 locals and the remaining from states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.

While acknowledging initial apprehensions, the official dismissed rumors of a mass exodus. “The company has provided residential camps for workers. While some may choose to leave, we have no reports of large-scale departures,” he added.

Background of the Incident​

The disaster struck on February 22 when a portion of the SLBC tunnel collapsed, trapping eight workers inside. The missing individuals include two engineers, two operators, and four labourers:

• Manoj Kumar (UP)
• Sri Niwas (UP)
• Sunny Singh (J&K)
• Gurpreet Singh (Punjab)
• Sandeep Sahu (Jharkhand)
• Jegta Xess (Jharkhand)
• Santosh Sahu (Jharkhand)
• Anuj Sahau (Jharkhand)

Among them, two engineers and four labourers are employed by Jaiprakash Associates Ltd, the flagship company of Jaypee Group, which was awarded the tunnel boring contract for the SLBC project.

Jaypee Group Reacts to the Crisis​

Jaiprakash Gaur, Founder Chairman of Jaypee Group, responded to the incident, acknowledging the risks involved in such large-scale infrastructure projects. “Accidents may happen during difficult works. Our teams are doing their best to ensure the trapped individuals are rescued safely,” he stated.

Political Developments​

Former Telangana Minister and BRS legislator T Harish Rao is set to visit the SLBC project today along with party leaders to assess the situation and meet concerned officials.

With rescue teams racing against time, the fate of the trapped workers remains uncertain. Authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their mission to bring them to safety.