SLBC tunnel rescue efforts continue as 11 national and state agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy, and NDRF, work tirelessly to save eight trapped workers. Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy assures full government support and condemns opposition for politicising the crisis.
HYDERABAD: The rescue operation at the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district has entered its fourth day, with 11 national and state agencies working together to rescue the eight trapped workers, said Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.
The agencies involved in the operation include the Indian Army, Navy, Marcos Commandos, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), MORPH, Singareni, HYDRAA, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Navayuga, L&T tunnel experts, and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).
On Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Jupally Krishna Rao, and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, visited the accident site near Domalapenta. Local MLA Dr. Chikkudu Vamshi Krishna also participated in a high-level review meeting with senior officials overseeing the rescue efforts.
Officials present included Army Lieutenant Colonel Vikas, Navy Marcos personnel, NDRF Commandant Prasanna, SDRF Regional Fire Officer Sudhakar Rao, Singareni rescue team leader Sadanandam, GSI Director Shailendra Kumar, Special Officer to the State Government Arvind Kumar, L&T expert Cooper, and representatives from several engineering and rescue agencies.
The ministers assessed the challenges faced by the rescue teams, including increasing water flow, silt accumulation, and heavy debris inside the tunnel.
Government Assures All Efforts for Safe Rescue
Addressing the media, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised that the government is fully committed to bringing the trapped workers to safety.
“Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is personally monitoring the situation. Experts from across the country, with extensive experience in such operations, have been brought in. Eleven specialised agencies are working round the clock to ensure a successful rescue,” he stated.
He added that past disaster management strategies were studied to implement the best possible rescue plan.
Challenges in the Rescue Operation
The Minister outlined the major obstacles faced by the teams, including:
- Heavy debris and silt accumulation slowing progress.
- Rising water levels inside the tunnel.
- Difficulties in accessing the trapped workers due to tunnel structure constraints.
To address these challenges, high-powered pumps are being used to remove floodwater, and experts are evaluating alternative approaches, such as drilling from the top and side of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy also held discussions with Border Security Force General Harpal Singh, seeking his expertise.
“General Harpal Singh acknowledged the complexity of the situation and assured full technical support. This is an unprecedented crisis in the country,” the Minister informed.
Uttam Kumar Reddy Slams Opposition for Politicising Tragedy
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy strongly criticised the opposition for attempting to politicise the crisis, calling their remarks “irresponsible and shameful.”
“When seven people died in the Kaleshwaram incident or eight perished in the Srisailam power plant accident, no one from the ruling party made baseless allegations. Now, when the government is working tirelessly to save lives, the opposition should act responsibly instead of indulging in political mudslinging,” he said.
He urged political parties to prioritise the humanitarian aspect of the crisis and support the ongoing efforts.
SLBC tunnel rescue operation continues for fourth day, no breakthrough yet
Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy also highlighted the significance of the SLBC tunnel project, which he said had been neglected for a decade under the previous BRS government.
The SLBC tunnel is one of the longest tunnels in the world, spanning 45 km without intermediate outlets, with 35 km already completed. Once finished, the project is expected to transform Nalgonda into a green belt and provide a permanent solution to fluoride contamination. “Despite this setback, we remain committed to completing the SLBC tunnel and delivering its benefits to the people of Telangana,” he assured.
The Minister reiterated that the Telangana government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped workers. “Every resource, expert, and advanced method available is being deployed. The government stands firm in its commitment to saving lives,” he said.
Today, I along with Deputy Chief Minister @Bhatti_Mallu, Ministers @jupallyk_rao, @KomatireddyKVR, and local MLA Dr. Chikkudu Vamshi Krishna visited the SLBC tunnel site and conducted a high-level review meeting with senior officials overseeing the rescue efforts. pic.twitter.com/K641r6skiu
— Uttam Kumar Reddy (@UttamINC) February 25, 2025
