Race to save eight Indian workers trapped inside tunnel
Authorities in Telangana, a southern Indian state, are urgently working to rescue eight construction workers trapped inside a tunnel for over 72 hours. The situation has become increasingly dire as rescuers face numerous challenges in their efforts to reach the men. The workers were part of a larger team of around 50 who were engaged in construction activities when a section of the tunnel collapsed early Saturday morning. As the rescue operation unfolds, families of the trapped workers are left anxiously waiting for news.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in Nagarkurnool district, where a portion of the 43-kilometer-long tunnel caved in. While 43 workers managed to escape, the remaining eight have been unreachable since the collapse. Officials have reported that the rescue efforts have been hampered by loose soil, mud, and slush inside the tunnel. These conditions have made it difficult to establish contact with the trapped workers or provide them with essential supplies like oxygen. Jupally Krishna Rao, a state minister overseeing the rescue, expressed concern, stating that “the chances of their survival are very remote.”
In response to the crisis, an expert team of “rat-hole miners,” skilled in navigating narrow tunnels, has been deployed to assist in the rescue. This team previously rescued 41 workers trapped in a similar situation in Uttarakhand earlier this year. As of Tuesday, approximately 33 kilometers of excavation has been completed, but about 10 kilometers remain. Rescuers are utilizing a train to reach a point where they can access the conveyor belt to remove debris. Despite their efforts, the rough terrain has slowed progress, and the situation remains precarious.
Family Concerns and Emotional Toll
As rescue efforts continue, the families of the trapped workers are experiencing a mix of hope and despair. Many of these workers are daily wage earners, and their families rely on their income for survival. Rampratap Sahu, a resident of Jharkhand, expressed his fears, stating, “I just hope that this time my son comes back safe. I will never send him away to earn again.” Other family members have voiced their anger towards authorities, questioning why their loved ones were allowed to work in such dangerous conditions.
Jaspreet Kaur, whose brother is among the trapped workers, lamented, “Why did they send the men to work there when they knew of the risks involved in the project?” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among families about the safety measures in place at construction sites. The emotional toll on these families is immense, as they grapple with uncertainty and fear for their loved ones’ lives.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
The rescue operation has seen the involvement of various relief teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, firefighters, and soldiers from the Indian army. The first team to enter the tunnel faced significant obstacles. An official, who wished to remain anonymous, described their journey: “We covered 11 kilometers by train, 2 kilometers by conveyor belt, and the remaining distance on foot. But then we hit a roadblock.”
The roadblock consisted of tall mounds of mud and soft soil, which had accumulated after the collapse. The boring machine used by the workers was also found upside down, further complicating the rescue efforts. Rescuers attempted to shout and signal for a response from the trapped workers but received no reply. The lack of necessary tools and machinery to clear the debris has forced rescuers to retreat, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Background of the Project
The tunnel is part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC), a significant irrigation project undertaken by the Telangana government. This project has been ongoing for many years and is crucial for the region’s agricultural development. The tunnel passes through the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam tiger reserve, the largest in India, adding another layer of complexity to the construction efforts.
Construction had only resumed four days before the accident, following a nearly three-year hiatus. The recent resumption of work raises questions about the safety protocols in place and the decision-making processes that led to the workers being in the tunnel during such a risky phase. As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on reaching the trapped workers and ensuring their safe return to their families.
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