A devastating tunnel collapse occurred on Saturday morning at the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalapenta in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, trapping at least eight workers inside. The disaster struck around 14 kilometers into the 44-kilometer-long tunnel, which had been reopened just four days earlier for urgent leak repairs.
Rescue operations, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, have been underway for over 48 hours. However, despite relentless efforts, no contact has been made with the trapped workers. Officials fear that their chances of survival are now “very remote.” Rescue teams have managed to reach the 13-kilometer mark but face severe obstacles due to massive debris, including iron, muck, and cement blocks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, offering full support from the central government. State ministers and senior officials are closely monitoring the situation on-site.
The tragic collapse has raised serious concerns about safety standards and construction practices in large-scale infrastructure projects. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to ensure such disasters are prevented in the future.
The Srisailam Dam, a key hydroelectric project on the Krishna River, plays a crucial role in the region’s water management and irrigation efforts. The SLBC tunnel was a vital part of this initiative.
As rescue operations continue, the nation holds onto hope for a miracle, but the situation remains increasingly grim.
