Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao announced on Saturday that the whereabouts of four out of the eight workers trapped in the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel have been located through radar. He expressed hope that they could be rescued by Sunday evening.
“The whereabouts of four persons have been identified through radar,” the minister stated at the site. However, he noted that the other four workers appear to be stuck beneath the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), making their rescue even more challenging.
Challenging Rescue Efforts
The rescue operation, which has stretched on for nearly a week, has been described as one of the most complex in recent times due to the difficult conditions inside the tunnel, including heavy slush and debris. Over 500 personnel from 11 specialized agencies have been working tirelessly to clear a path and reach the stranded workers.
Teams are currently cutting through the TBM to create an access route, according to officials cited by PTI. The excavation process has been slow due to the need to carefully remove debris while ensuring structural stability.
Hopes and Challenges
When asked about the condition of the located workers, Minister Rao stated that he had warned from the beginning that the chances of survival were slim. However, officials remain hopeful as the rescue team continues its mission.
Telangana Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy was also present at the site, coordinating with officials and rescue teams.
Political Reactions and Delays
The rescue operation has faced criticism from opposition parties over the delay in retrieving the trapped workers. In response, Krishna Rao defended the efforts, emphasizing that the teams involved are experts dealing with an extremely complex situation. “The conditions inside the tunnel, especially the presence of slush and structural instability, make the operation highly challenging,” he added.
Eight workers, including engineers and laborers, have been trapped since the tunnel collapse on February 22. With the latest breakthrough in locating four workers, authorities are intensifying efforts to safely bring them all out.
Sources By Agencies