Officials in Telangana, India, are working against time as rescue operations for eight trapped workers face grim prospects following a sudden tunnel collapse, compounded by environmental concerns voiced by activists.
Hope Dims for Eight Workers Trapped in Indian Tunnel Collapse
Hope Dims for Eight Workers Trapped in Indian Tunnel Collapse
Rescue operations continue in Telangana as chances of survival decrease for trapped workers.
Search teams are intensifying rescue efforts for eight construction workers who remain trapped after an unexpected collapse in a tunnel located in the southern Indian state of Telangana. The incident occurred over the weekend while the individuals were approximately nine miles inside the tunnel, contributing to the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel project—an ambitious irrigation initiative that has faced multiple delays since its inception in 2005.
The collapses, primarily caused by a surge of water and silt, resulted in a blockage from a tunnel-boring machine, isolating the workers. Manoj Gaur, chairman of the construction firm Jaiprakash Associates, detailed the dire conditions, stating that the tunnel’s expansive space, exceeding ten meters in diameter, became inundated with debris, complicating rescue efforts.
Emergency responders, including nine agencies that encompass the capabilities of the Indian Army and Marine Commandos, have ramped up their operations, reminiscent of the 2023 rescue in Uttarakhand where 41 workers were extricated after 17 days. However, as of Monday morning, the prospects for the eight individuals are faltering, with local officials unable to establish contact.
Telangana state minister Jupally Krishna Rao acknowledged the precarious situation. “The chances are not very good,” he communicated to local news, emphasizing a commitment to continue rescue attempts despite the somber circumstances. By Monday, teams had reached the area blocked by the machine but faced substantial challenges due to the accumulation of debris, marked at several feet high.
The project has drawn criticism from environmentalists who have long cautioned about the risks posed to the mountainous terrain, ultimately alleging that such infrastructure projects may lead to destabilization, heightening the likelihood of accidents such as this one.
As the rescue attempts persist, the families of those trapped remain hopeful but are also braced for the possibility of a tragic outcome amid these devastating developments in Telangana.
