/popdiaries/media/media_files/2025/02/22/Un4jacnRjswxSX0FXJAc.jpg)
Follow Us
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday to discuss the ongoing rescue operations for those trapped in the collapsed section of the SLBC tunnel. Modi Ji assured full support and assistance in the efforts.
Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy reported that 8 individuals were trapped after part of the roof collapsed in the under construction section of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool district. The CM briefed the Prime Minister on the incident's details, according to a person from Reddy's office. Modi assured that an NDRF team would be dispatched immediately for rescue operations and guaranteed full cooperation from the Centre.
Minister Reddy said that the workers are trapped 14 kilometers inside the tunnel. The trapped personnel include 2 engineers, 2 machine operators, and four workers. The Telangana government is consulting with experts, including those people who handled a similar rescue operation in Uttarakhand last year, and has requested assistance from the Indian Army and NDRF, as per Reddy.
Some other workers at the site reported a gradual seepage of water and soil that increased over time, prompting some workers to evacuate. Anyways, those working near the boring machine ahead in the tunnel were caught. Reddy added further that workers heard a loud noise due to a "geological disturbance" outside the tunnel.
Reddy also confirmed that the tunnel's ventilation system is operational, ensuring a steady oxygen supply for the trapped workers. "Ambulances and medical teams are on high alert, with doctors prepared to provide immediate medical care," Reddy shared on twitter.
The Telangana government has enlisted a 19-member team from the state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL) to aid in this rescue mission. According to a senior official, SCCL has a major experience in such rescue operations and possesses advanced equipment. "SCCL is well-equipped to handle emergencies like roof collapses, with machinery and rock cutters imported from Australia, the USA, and Poland that can cut through large rocks and boulders within minutes," SCCL CMD N Balram stated.