On Saturday, February 22, 2025, a portion of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalapenta village in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district collapsed, trapping at least eight workers approximately 14 kilometers inside the tunnel. The incident occurred in the morning hours and has led to an intense and ongoing rescue operation, with state authorities mobilizing multiple teams to ensure the safe evacuation of those trapped inside. The SLBC tunnel, spanning 44 kilometers, is a crucial infrastructure project designed to enhance irrigation facilities and provide drinking water to several villages.
Details of the Incident
The tunnel collapse occurred approximately 120 kilometers south of Hyderabad, within a section of the SLBC project that is intended to carry water from the Srisailam reservoir towards Devarakonda. According to preliminary reports, the accident was triggered by the sudden slippage of a concrete segment used to seal seepage within the tunnel. Officials have indicated that at least six to eight workers are feared trapped inside, though the exact number remains uncertain. Among those reportedly inside the tunnel at the time of the collapse are two engineers, two machine operators, and four laborers working on the ongoing construction.
Authorities have confirmed that the collapse occurred between 12-13 kilometers inside the tunnel, trapping the workers in a confined space. As the site is located deep underground with limited access, the rescue operation is facing significant technical and logistical challenges.
Rescue Operations and Government Response
Immediately after the incident, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directed senior officials, including the district collector, superintendent of police, fire services, and the irrigation department, to reach the site and coordinate rescue efforts. A high-level meeting was held to assess the situation, and emergency teams were dispatched to the location.
Rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing, with assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and a special team from the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). A 19-member SCCL team, equipped with advanced drilling and rock-cutting machinery, has been deployed to aid in clearing debris and reaching the trapped workers as quickly as possible. Additionally, experts from Uttarakhand, who were involved in a similar tunnel rescue operation in 2024, have been called in to provide technical assistance.
The state government has also sought assistance from the Indian Army, with additional reinforcements expected to reach the site by tonight. Given the complex nature of the collapse and the depth at which the workers are trapped, the rescue operation is expected to take considerable time.
Statements from Officials and Leaders
Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy described the incident as "unfortunate" and assured that all efforts are being made to rescue the workers safely. He confirmed that the teams involved in the operation are using the latest technology and equipment to expedite the process. "We are closely monitoring the situation, and our priority is to bring out the trapped workers unharmed," Reddy stated.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been receiving real-time updates on the rescue efforts and is in constant communication with officials on the ground. He has also directed that medical teams and ambulances be stationed at the site to provide immediate assistance to the rescued workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to CM Reddy, expressing concern over the situation and offering full support from the central government. Modi assured that all necessary resources would be made available to aid the rescue efforts.
Challenges in the Rescue Operation
Rescue officials have highlighted several challenges in reaching the trapped workers. The collapsed section is located deep within the tunnel, making access difficult. Heavy machinery is required to remove debris, but the confined space and unstable structure pose risks of further collapse. The presence of water seepage within the tunnel has further complicated rescue efforts, making it difficult to deploy certain equipment effectively.
Engineers and geologists have been consulted to assess the stability of the surrounding structure before proceeding with further excavation. The rescue teams are also ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen supply to the trapped workers, using specialized drilling equipment to create air passages.
Background of the SLBC Project
The Srisailam Left Bank Canal project is a major irrigation initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity issues in Telangana. The project is expected to provide irrigation facilities for approximately 400,000 acres of farmland and drinking water to around 200 villages in the region.
Construction of the tunnel resumed on February 18, 2025, after a five-year hiatus, with a target completion date set for December 2026. The project was initially delayed due to technical and financial constraints, but the state government had recently expedited work to ensure timely completion.
The collapse of the tunnel has raised concerns over safety measures and the quality of construction materials used. Officials have stated that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public and Family Reactions
Family members of the trapped workers have gathered at the site, anxiously waiting for updates. Some have expressed concerns over delays in the rescue operation, urging authorities to act swiftly. Officials have assured them that all possible efforts are being made to bring their loved ones to safety.
Local residents and activists have also called for stricter safety regulations in large-scale infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for better monitoring and emergency response mechanisms.
Conclusion
As rescue operations continue, authorities remain hopeful that all trapped workers will be safely evacuated. The situation remains tense, with emergency teams working tirelessly to clear debris and create an access route to the affected area. The government has promised full transparency in investigating the incident and ensuring that such disasters do not occur in the future. Further updates will follow as the rescue efforts progress.
