As rescue efforts continue in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, the Indian Army has intensified dewatering operations to clear the flooded passage and reach the eight workers trapped inside. With waterlogging proving to be a major hurdle, high-capacity pumps and specialized equipment have been deployed to drain the accumulated water, enabling rescue teams to move deeper into the collapsed tunnel.
A devastating explosion in the SLBC tunnel on February 22 triggered severe flooding, leading to a large-scale rescue operation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and rescue teams from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) were immediately pressed into action. However, the intense water pressure and unstable conditions inside the tunnel have slowed down the mission.
Initial attempts to navigate through the tunnel were hampered by low visibility and the force of the gushing water. Drone surveillance was deployed but proved ineffective due to harsh conditions. Rescue teams have since relied on underwater cameras and manual exploration to track the trapped workers.
As per reports, authorities have managed to access 13.5 km of the tunnel, but the final stretch remains a challenge due to debris and flooding. The tunnel boring machine (TBM), buried under collapsed rubble, has further complicated efforts.
Indian Army and Navy Join Rescue Mission
Recognizing the scale of the crisis, the Indian Army and Navy have joined the ongoing operation. The Army’s specialized engineering units are assisting in stabilizing the tunnel and clearing debris, while the Navy has been brought in to enhance underwater rescue capabilities.
In an update on ‘X,’ the Indian Army Southern Command Pune:
“Engineer Task Force (ETF) of #IndianArmy deployed its equipment and medical teams to clear debris and facilitate safe evacuation of trapped persons from the collapsed tunnel.”
#OpSrisailam
SLBC Tunnel Collapse in Nagarkurnool, Telangana.Engineer Task Force (ETF) of #IndianArmy deployed it’s equipment and medical teams to clear debris and facilitate safe evacuation of trapped persons from the collapsed tunnel. Indian Army stands steadfast with all… pic.twitter.com/bqBnnLcP3a
— Southern Command INDIAN ARMY (@IaSouthern) February 23, 2025
The Telangana CMO acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that waterlogging continues to obstruct rescue efforts. Authorities are exploring alternative methods to remove debris and gain access to the trapped workers.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy provided an update on ‘X,’ highlighting the involvement of all major rescue agencies:
ఎస్ఎల్బీసీ ప్రమాద ఘటనపై ముఖ్యమంత్రి @revanth_anumula గారు పరిస్థితిని ఎప్పటికప్పుడు సమీక్షిస్తున్నారు. సహాయక చర్యలను దగ్గరుండీ పర్యవేక్షిస్తున్న మంత్రులు, ఉన్నతాధికారులతో ముఖ్యమంత్రి పలుమార్లు మాట్లాడుతూ పరిస్థితిని తెలుసుకుంటున్నారు. సొరంగంలో చిక్కుకున్న 8 మంది కార్మికులను… https://t.co/3vWoe1AHux
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) February 23, 2025
The BJP Telangana unit on ‘X’ said, “The central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has stepped in to rescue the workers trapped in the SLBC tunnel and is standing in support of them.”
Senior BJP leader and former NDMA vice chairman Marri Shashidhar Reddy expressed concern over repeated mishaps, saying:
“It is really disappointing and sad that this is not the first time that such floods have happened. The SLBC tunnel has collapsed… It is definitely time for introspection. The state government has not paid attention to what should be done in such situations.”
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | SLBC tunnel collapse | Ex NDMA Vice chairman and BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy says, "…It is really disappointing and sad that this is not the first time that such floods have happened, SLBC tunnel has collapsed…It is definitely time for… pic.twitter.com/L9UPYOfwPC
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2025
With rescue efforts entering a critical phase, authorities are focusing on draining the tunnel and finding alternative access points. The operation is being closely monitored, with engineers assessing the structural stability of the tunnel before proceeding further.
District Collector Badhavath Santhosh provided an update, stating: “Dewatering is being done while the Indian Army, along with NDRF and SDRF, is going inside with additional equipment. Our major focus will be on rescuing the workers stuck inside. Yesterday, they could not reach the last 40 meters, and now necessary measures are being taken.”
SLBC project left canal tunnel roof collapse, 8 workers still trapped, rescue operations continue
Writes: Kunti Surender#SLBCTunnel #SLBC https://t.co/0k8cSE3Q0x
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) February 22, 2025
The SLBC tunnel collapse near Domalapenta, Nagar Kurnool, has left eight workers trapped. The accident occurred in a 14-km stretch where 50 workers were present. Despite being proposed in 1983 and initiated in 2006, the SLBC project remains incomplete, raising concerns over safety and execution.
