The rescue operation to save eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel has hit a major roadblock. The workers have been stuck 14 kilometers inside the tunnel since Saturday morning. Experts have warned that clearing the last 50 meters, which is completely blocked with mud and debris from the tunnel boring machine (TBM), could be extremely dangerous for the rescue teams.
Despite the tireless work of nine specialised teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rescuers had still not reached the workers by Tuesday night (25 February 2025). The Telangana government has now asked the Central government to conduct a seismological study through the National Centre for Seismology. This study will help understand the cracks and water levels in the affected area, which will determine the next steps in the rescue mission.
In response to this request, the National Disaster Management Authority has involved the National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad and the Geological Survey of India. These agencies will perform a surface and sub-surface study to assess the risks at the site. This research is crucial to ensuring the safety of the rescue teams.
Despite continuous efforts, the situation remains extremely challenging. Authorities are now depending on advanced geological studies to decide the best way forward in this high-risk rescue operation.
