The rescue operation in the SLBC tunnel continues to face severe obstacles, with rising water levels, mud accumulation, and lack of electricity hampering efforts. Experts warn that further collapses could worsen the situation.
HYDERABAD: The ongoing rescue operation to locate eight trapped individuals in the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel has become increasingly difficult due to adverse conditions inside the structure. Water seepage, heavy mud accumulation, and the absence of electricity are severely hindering rescue efforts. The National Geographic Survey Agency has warned that a massive water body above the affected section of the tunnel could lead to a complete collapse if disturbed, making direct entry impossible.
Rescue teams, including the Indian Navy, NDRF, and Rat Miners, entered the tunnel at 9 AM on Tuesday but had to retreat by 7 PM due to extreme conditions. Despite four hours of effort, the rescue teams struggled to make significant progress. Officials confirmed that nearly six meters of mud have filled the affected section, making it impossible for human intervention without extreme risk.
Structural Risks Delay Rescue Efforts
The tunnel, located at the 14-kilometer mark, remains blocked 40 meters before the accident site. Attempts to drill from alternative escape routes were abandoned due to time constraints, while discussions are ongoing about drilling from the top. However, the Geological Survey report indicates that the tunnel’s lining is compromised, increasing the risk of further collapses.
Efforts to remove debris and tunnel boring equipment have also been delayed due to the heavy machinery required. The absence of power inside the tunnel further complicates operations, while continuous water seepage and mudflow slow down progress. Coordination issues among rescue teams have added to the confusion, with officials struggling to determine the best course of action.
Families of Trapped Workers Express Anguish
Meanwhile, families of the trapped individuals, who arrived from Jharkhand on Tuesday, are growing increasingly distressed over the lack of visible progress. Under orders from their local district administration, four family members traveled to the site under the supervision of mining officer Avinash. Upon arrival, they were briefed on the rescue efforts by the Nagar Kurnool district collector. However, after witnessing the slow progress firsthand, they expressed concerns about whether they would even receive the bodies of their loved ones.
Adding to the grief, ministers overseeing the rescue operations reportedly failed to address the families directly, leading to further frustration. Emotional relatives questioned whether efforts were genuinely being made to retrieve the trapped workers, accusing authorities of inefficiency.
Rescue operations have been ongoing for four days, but officials admit that without a clear path forward, the situation remains critical. The presence of a large water body above the tunnel, along with continuous seepage from the tunnel lining, has made it nearly impossible for teams to proceed further. Experts warn that any further collapse could make the rescue operation even more challenging, raising concerns about the time required to reach those trapped inside.
With no immediate solution in sight, families of the victims are urging Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to take direct intervention and explore alternative rescue strategies to bring back their loved ones safely.
