Telangana tunnel collapse: Rescuers yet to make headway through last 40 metres; geology experts assess SLBC tunnel's strength

Rescue operations are continuing at the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel where eight workers have been trapped since Saturday. Efforts are on to remove debris in the last 40-50 metres and establish contact with the trapped workers.

According to reports, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is likely to visit the incident site on Tuesday. Over 500 personnel from NDRF, SDRF, armed forces, fire and rescue and police have been deployed for the rescue operation. Telangana government has also brought in rat miners who were involved in Uttarakhand tunnel rescue for the rescue operation in Nagarkurnool in Telangana.

The state government has roped in experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Geographical Research Institute (NGRI) to study the stability of the tunnel before proceeding with the rescue operation. The roof of the tunnel partially collapsed around 12-13 km from the mouth on Saturday, trapping eight workers including two operators, two engineers and four labourers. 

Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santhosh said they are yet to establish contact with the trapped workers. “As of now, we are not able to communicate with them (trapped). We are taking the advice of the Geological Survey of India and some other people. L&T experts have also come,” the collector told PTI. Santhosh added though the dewatering process is progressing, they are yet to make a headway through the last 40-50 metres of debris. 

Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Monday said the chances of rescue of eight workers were “very remote” as they did not respond when their names were called out. The trapped persons have been identified as Manoj Kumar and Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, Sunny Singh (Jammu and Kashmir), Gurpreet Singh (Punjab) and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, Santosh Sahu and Anuj Sahu, all from Jharkhand.