As the rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool, Telangana, enter their seventh day, families of the eight trapped workers are growing increasingly desperate. Relatives of Gurpreet Singh, one of the trapped men, have made an emotional plea to the government, urging for an immediate and intensified rescue effort.

Gurpreet Singh, a Punjab native, has been working with the construction company for the past two decades. His family, which includes his mother, wife, and two daughters, is in deep distress as they await news of his safety.

"He is the sole breadwinner of our family," said his uncle Kalwan Singh. "We traveled here yesterday, and the company has assured us that all workers will be rescued safely. We are hoping and praying for their safe return."

How the Tunnel Collapse Occurred

The SLBC tunnel collapse took place on February 22, when a three-meter section of the tunnel’s roof collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta.

The collapse occurred just four days after construction work resumed following a long suspension. While several workers managed to escape, eight individuals remain trapped inside with limited access to oxygen and resources.

Authorities are working against time to rescue the men before conditions deteriorate further.

Government’s Response and Rescue Strategy

In response to the crisis, Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy provided an update on the ongoing rescue operations, emphasizing that authorities have devised a foolproof plan to ensure safety and efficiency.

"The primary concern is ensuring that rescuers themselves are not at risk," Reddy stated. "We have conducted thorough assessments over the past two days and have now formulated a concrete plan of action. We will move forward with greater speed, and all rescue and relief operations should be completed within two days."

This announcement has brought a ray of hope to the families waiting outside the tunnel site, who have been in continuous agony since the incident occurred.

Challenges in the Rescue Operation

Despite the best efforts of authorities and rescue teams, several challenges continue to hinder operations:

• Structural Instability: The collapsed section remains highly unstable, posing a threat to rescuers attempting to enter the tunnel.
• Limited Access: The depth and complexity of the tunnel make it difficult for rescue teams to reach the trapped workers quickly.
• Oxygen Supply Concerns: Although efforts are being made to pump oxygen into the tunnel, concerns persist about the workers' condition after several days in confinement.
• Risk of Further Collapses: Any rushed excavation could cause further debris falls, endangering both trapped workers and rescue teams.

Emotional Toll on Families and Community

As the days pass, the mental and emotional toll on the families of the trapped workers is intensifying. Many have camped outside the site, praying for the safe return of their loved ones.

"Every moment feels like an eternity," said one distressed relative. "We just want them to come back home alive."

The local community has also rallied around the affected families, offering support, food, and prayers. The tragedy has sparked public outcry, with many urging the Telangana government to escalate efforts and bring all eight workers home safely.

Previous Tunnel Accidents in India

This tragic incident echoes past infrastructure-related accidents in India, where tunnel collapses have put workers' lives at risk.

• November 2023 – Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: 41 workers were trapped for 17 days before being rescued in a massive multi-agency operation.
• July 2021 – Himachal Pradesh Tunnel Collapse: Three workers lost their lives in a hydropower project tunnel collapse.
• August 2019 – Rat-hole Mine Collapse, Meghalaya: Miners were trapped for weeks due to rising water levels, with several fatalities reported.

Such incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter safety protocols and better oversight in large-scale construction and excavation projects.

Government and Industry Response

In the wake of this disaster, Telangana authorities are expected to conduct a full inquiry into the cause of the collapse and whether safety standards were violated.

The construction company responsible for the project has assured full cooperation with the investigation, promising that all trapped workers will be rescued safely.

However, labor rights groups have pointed out the lack of robust safety measures in large-scale projects, demanding greater accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Conclusion

The Telangana SLBC tunnel collapse has left eight workers trapped and families in distress, with the government facing immense pressure to accelerate rescue efforts.

While authorities have assured a foolproof plan to complete rescue operations within two days, families remain anxious as they wait for their loved ones to be brought out alive and safe.

With time running out, the next 48 hours will be crucial in determining whether all eight men can be saved from the collapsed tunnel.

The tragedy has once again underscored the need for improved safety measures in India's construction and infrastructure sectors, ensuring that workers' lives are not put at unnecessary risk.

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