<p>Nagarkurnool: Telangana Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday described the rescue operation at the SLBC Tunnel as the most complicated and difficult in the world, or at least in India, as there is only one entry/exit to the tunnel.</p><p>Talking to reporters at the SLBC Tunnel, the minister opined that the collapse might have taken place due to a slight tectonic shift and the giving way of some geological fault lines.</p><p>He also said the lives of the teams engaged in rescue work in the partially collapsed SLBC tunnel could be in danger due to the continuous flow of silt and water.</p><p>“There is one problem. The flow of silt and water into the tunnel at a very high speed continues. So, there was one opinion expressed by some experts that the people going into the rescue, even their lives could be endangered. So, we are a responsible government, we are taking the best expert opinion, and we will take a final call on how to go about it,” he added.</p><p>The minister noted that past disaster management strategies from across the country had been reviewed to implement the best possible rescue plan. "We have thoroughly studied similar past incidents and learned valuable lessons to ensure that we execute this rescue with the highest level of expertise and precision," he added.</p><p>Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the difficulties being encountered in the rescue efforts. "The increasing water flow inside the tunnel, silt accumulation, and heavy debris are creating major obstacles for the rescue teams. Despite these challenges, our personnel are displaying extraordinary dedication, working continuously without rest. We are deploying high-powered pumps to remove the floodwater, but the conditions remain extremely difficult," he explained.</p>.Telangana tunnel mishap: Workers suspect engineers didn't arrest water leakage properly.<p>To explore alternative approaches, he stated that experts are assessing the feasibility of drilling from the top and side of the tunnel while ensuring all necessary safety precautions. "We are constantly evaluating every possible method to reach the trapped workers while prioritizing their safety," he said.</p><p>The minister also held discussions with Border Security Force General Harpal Singh via phone to brief him on the SLBC incident and seek his expertise. "General Harpal Singh acknowledged the complexity of the situation and assured his full support in providing technical expertise and assistance. He also noted that such a challenging rescue operation had never occurred before in the country, making this an unprecedented crisis," the minister informed.</p><p><strong>11 national & state agencies engaged in rescue operations</strong></p><p>Eleven national and state agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy, MARCOS commandos, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), MORPH, Singareni, HYDRAA, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Navayuga and L&T tunnel experts, and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), are working in a coordinated manner to rescue the eight workers trapped inside the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, said Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.</p><p>The minister assured that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped workers. He emphasized that the operation, now in its fourth day, is being carried out with the highest level of urgency and priority, with expert teams from across the country engaged in the mission.</p>
<p>Nagarkurnool: Telangana Irrigation Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Tuesday described the rescue operation at the SLBC Tunnel as the most complicated and difficult in the world, or at least in India, as there is only one entry/exit to the tunnel.</p><p>Talking to reporters at the SLBC Tunnel, the minister opined that the collapse might have taken place due to a slight tectonic shift and the giving way of some geological fault lines.</p><p>He also said the lives of the teams engaged in rescue work in the partially collapsed SLBC tunnel could be in danger due to the continuous flow of silt and water.</p><p>“There is one problem. The flow of silt and water into the tunnel at a very high speed continues. So, there was one opinion expressed by some experts that the people going into the rescue, even their lives could be endangered. So, we are a responsible government, we are taking the best expert opinion, and we will take a final call on how to go about it,” he added.</p><p>The minister noted that past disaster management strategies from across the country had been reviewed to implement the best possible rescue plan. "We have thoroughly studied similar past incidents and learned valuable lessons to ensure that we execute this rescue with the highest level of expertise and precision," he added.</p><p>Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the difficulties being encountered in the rescue efforts. "The increasing water flow inside the tunnel, silt accumulation, and heavy debris are creating major obstacles for the rescue teams. Despite these challenges, our personnel are displaying extraordinary dedication, working continuously without rest. We are deploying high-powered pumps to remove the floodwater, but the conditions remain extremely difficult," he explained.</p>.Telangana tunnel mishap: Workers suspect engineers didn't arrest water leakage properly.<p>To explore alternative approaches, he stated that experts are assessing the feasibility of drilling from the top and side of the tunnel while ensuring all necessary safety precautions. "We are constantly evaluating every possible method to reach the trapped workers while prioritizing their safety," he said.</p><p>The minister also held discussions with Border Security Force General Harpal Singh via phone to brief him on the SLBC incident and seek his expertise. "General Harpal Singh acknowledged the complexity of the situation and assured his full support in providing technical expertise and assistance. He also noted that such a challenging rescue operation had never occurred before in the country, making this an unprecedented crisis," the minister informed.</p><p><strong>11 national & state agencies engaged in rescue operations</strong></p><p>Eleven national and state agencies, including the Indian Army, Navy, MARCOS commandos, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), MORPH, Singareni, HYDRAA, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Navayuga and L&T tunnel experts, and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), are working in a coordinated manner to rescue the eight workers trapped inside the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, said Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.</p><p>The minister assured that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped workers. He emphasized that the operation, now in its fourth day, is being carried out with the highest level of urgency and priority, with expert teams from across the country engaged in the mission.</p>