Telangana tunnel collapse: Oxygen shortage, humidity delay rescue operation
What's the story
The rescue operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project in Telangana is said to be in its final stages.
Eight workers have been trapped since a tunnel collapsed on February 22.
The trapped include Project Engineer Manoj Kumar and Field Engineer Sri Niwas from Uttar Pradesh, and workers Sandeep Sahu, Jagta Xess, Santosh Sahu, and Anuj Sahu from Jharkhand, Sunny Singh from Jammu and Kashmir, and Gurpreet Singh from Punjab.
Rescue collaboration
Over 12 agencies collaborate in rescue efforts
Over 12 agencies are working together in the rescue efforts. The operation started with rescuers cutting through a tunnel-boring machine (TBM) on February 27 to reach the trapped workers.
Ground-penetrating radar surveys initially indicated potential human presence but later revealed only metal parts.
The final stages of the operation are facing challenges due to a lack of oxygen, extreme humidity, and a broken conveyor belt.
Operational challenges
Technical issues and harsh conditions slow down rescue
Due to these complications, rat-hole mining experts and specialized workers are now manually exploring the last 40 meters of the tunnel.
The ventilation tube has broken, further complicating access.
However, officials plan to fix the ventilation tube and make the conveyor belt operational soon.
Once TBM parts are removed, bobcat equipment may be used to aid rescue efforts.
On-site assistance
Army, Navy, Singareni Collieries aid in rescue operation
The Army, Navy, Singareni Collieries, and other agencies have been working on-site nonstop. Army medical teams have been deployed with supplies to support ongoing efforts.
Meanwhile, families of the trapped workers remain anxious for updates.
Nagarkurnool Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Gaikwad confirmed continuous work by multiple teams.
Congress MLA Chikkudu Vamshi noted that experienced personnel from Singareni mines play a key role in speeding up operations.