experts-from-gsi-ngri-assess-telangana-tunnel-collapse

The Telangana government has brought in experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to assist in the rescue of eight workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel. 

An Australian expert from L&T, experienced in tunnel construction, has also been called in to help. The workers have been stuck inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel for four days since the collapse on Saturday.

Nagarkurnool District Collector B. Santhosh said that before taking any further action, authorities are assessing the stability of the tunnel while continuing the dewatering process.

#WATCH | Nagarkurnool, Telangana | Various teams, including NGRI (National Geophysical Research Institute) experts, go into the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, where a rescue operation is underway.

Food and water are being taken inside the tunnel for the rescue… pic.twitter.com/7NJSpXoQuu

— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2025

“As of now, we have not been able to communicate with those trapped. We are following the advice of GSI and other experts. We are trying to remove the water, but we are unable to proceed beyond the last 40–50 meters," the collector told PTI.

Rescue teams have reached close to the last 50 meters where the workers are trapped, but the passage is blocked by debris and muck. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy are expected to visit the site to monitor the situation and take key decisions.

 

Also read: Hopes dim for 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel as rescue nears end 

The rescue operation has been challenging due to thick muck, tangled iron rods, and cement blocks inside the tunnel. Despite relentless efforts by the Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, and other agencies, no breakthrough has been achieved so far.

A total of 584 personnel from the Army, Navy, Singareni Collieries, and disaster response teams have conducted multiple inspections of the tunnel. Officials said gas cutters are being used continuously to cut through metal rods.

On Monday, Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said the chances of survival for the trapped workers were "very remote." He added that it may take another three to four days to reach them, as the site is filled with debris, making the task extremely difficult.

A specialised team of rat miners, who previously rescued workers trapped in the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand in 2023, has now joined the rescue efforts to help extract the trapped men.

 

Also Read: T'gana mishap: Rescue ops fail to yield result after 48 hrs