Telangana Tunnel Collapse: 90 Hours And Counting, Rescue Op For 8 Trapped Workers Continues — Updates

Telangana tunnel collapse has sparked a political row in the state with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) holding the Congress-led state government accountable for alleged negligence.

Telangana Tunnel Collapse: A large-scale rescue operation is underway to save eight workers trapped inside Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district. The mission, which has entered its fifth day, involves the coordination of eleven national and state agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy, Marcos Commandos, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and tunnel experts from Navayuga and L&T.

The rescue teams are facing multiple obstacles such as rising water levels, heavy silt accumulation and debris inside the tunnel. High-powered pumps have been deployed to remove floodwater but conditions remain highly precarious. Authorities are considering alternative rescue strategies, including drilling from different angles, to expedite the process while ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed.

The SLBC tunnel, spanning 45 kilometers, is a significant infrastructure project, with 35 kilometers already completed. However, the absence of intermediate escape routes has made the rescue operation even more challenging.

Political Tensions Escalate

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a political row in Telangana with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) holding the Congress-led state government accountable for alleged negligence. BRS Working President KT Rama Rao criticised the government for proceeding with construction without proper approvals from the Geological Survey of India (GSI). He also accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of focusing on election campaigns instead of prioritising rescue operations.

Rama Rao pointed out that delays in the ongoing rescue efforts were worsening the crisis for those trapped inside.

Reacting to the BRS, Congress Lok Sabha member Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy told PTI, "As an opposition party, they have every right to question the government on matters related to public welfare. However, this is not the time to argue with each other. Instead, we should focus on finding a way to save those eight people." 

He also urged political parties to set aside differences and focus on the rescue mission.