Rescue Operations Persist for 7th Day Following Telangana Tunnel Collapse
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Synopsis
Rescue operations are ongoing for the seventh day following the collapse of a tunnel in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district, with no signs of survivors. Multi-agency teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and silt to reach the trapped workers, using advanced machinery and strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing rescue operations for trapped workers in Telangana.
- Multi-agency collaboration is crucial for effective rescue.
- Advanced equipment is being used to clear debris.
- Rescue efforts being monitored by government officials.
- Estimated completion of rescue operations within days.
Hyderabad, Feb 28 (NationPress) A week has passed since eight individuals were trapped due to the collapse of the roof in an under-construction tunnel located in Telangana's Nagarkurnool district. The rescue operations continued on Friday, yet there were no indications of survivors.
A comprehensive rescue effort involving 12 agencies persisted in the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, concentrating on the removal of silt and debris.
Teams from the Army, Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), Railways, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and local miners were engaged in extensive efforts to desilt the tunnel to eliminate obstructions and reach the trapped workers.
The rescue teams were also diligently working to clear the debris from the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which was severely damaged in the incident on February 22. Tools such as gas and plasma cutters were utilized to dismantle parts of the TBM's tail section.
Teams entered the tunnel in shifts to conduct debris removal. On Thursday, five teams succeeded in clearing 6,000 cubic meters of silt.
In addition, SCCL decided to deploy 200 more rescue workers to the ongoing operation, which marked its seventh day. Approximately 100 personnel had already arrived with advanced equipment.
SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N. Balram stated that the company would increase the workforce if necessary.
Special Chief Secretary of Disaster Management Arvind Kumar is overseeing the rescue efforts from the site office at the entrance of the 14-km-long tunnel.
South Central Railway dispatched a team of metal-cutting experts with essential machinery to assist in debris removal.
Following a request from the Nagarkurnool district Collector, South Central Railway (SCR) sent two teams to aid the rescue efforts by clearing steel and iron debris that obstructed the operation.
The SCR teams are equipped with necessary machinery, including a plasma cutting machine, Brocho cutting machine, portable air compressor, and ultra-thermic cutting devices.
Rescue workers are also working to ensure the loco train can reach the final point, enabling the conveyor belt to operate, which will expedite debris removal.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who is monitoring the operation, mentioned that plasma cutters, high-grade shutters, and debris removal machinery were being employed, with international experts overseeing the strategy. He indicated that dewatering processes have been resumed to facilitate clearing obstructions.
He noted on ‘X’ that a multi-agency rescue operation is in full effect at the tunnel, deploying the country's top experts and advanced equipment to rescue the trapped workers.
The rescue and relief operations are projected to conclude within two to three days, with tunnel work expected to resume in two to three months, he added.
Authorities have imposed site restrictions following a visit from leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), led by former minister T. Harish Rao, amid a tense atmosphere.
Uttar Kumar Reddy explained that precautionary restrictions were enacted to safeguard both workers and rescuers.
The minister characterized the incident as one of the most intricate tunnel accidents in Indian history, emphasizing the unprecedented collaboration of numerous national and international agencies under a unified command for the rescue mission.
“This is an exceptionally challenging operation, and the finest experts in the field are involved. They are working selflessly, risking their own lives to complete this rescue,” he remarked.
The Minister also announced that after the safe rescue of the workers, the government would ensure that tunnel works resume within two to three months and are completed within the scheduled timeline.
