Hyderabad: As the rescue operation at the collapsed tunnel site in Telangana enters its eighth day, State Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Krishna Rao expressed cautious optimism that the trapped labourers could be brought out safely by the evening of March 2. The assurance comes after days of intense, round-the-clock rescue efforts involving multiple agencies, heavy machinery, and technical experts.
Background: What Happened?
The tunnel collapse, which occurred on February 23, left several labourers trapped deep inside the under-construction segment of a water tunnel in Nalgonda district. The incident triggered one of the most challenging rescue operations in recent memory, with rescuers battling unstable terrain, falling debris, and oxygen supply concerns inside the tunnel.
Day 8: Key Developments
✅ Breakthrough Expected: Minister Krishna Rao, after visiting the site on Tuesday, told reporters that rescue teams have made significant headway in clearing debris and laying down a final access shaft to the trapped workers. “If all goes well, they will be extricated by the evening of March 2,” he said.
✅ Multi-Agency Coordination: Teams from the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), local fire services, and specialised tunneling engineers have been working in tandem to create safe passage to the stranded labourers.
✅ Communication Restored: After days of intermittent communication failures, rescuers have managed to establish direct voice contact with the trapped men, offering reassurance and regular updates to keep their morale high.
✅ Medical Support on Standby: Ambulances, trauma care units, and emergency medical teams have been stationed at the site, ready to provide immediate care once the labourers are pulled out.
Challenges Faced During Rescue
- Unstable Earth: Fresh collapses delayed rescue efforts several times.
- Narrow Access: The confined space inside the tunnel made it difficult to deploy large-scale equipment.
- Oxygen Supply: Ensuring adequate oxygen levels for the trapped workers became a critical priority, requiring specialized air pumping systems.
Minister Assures Accountability and Future Safety
While the immediate focus remains on rescuing the trapped labourers, Minister Krishna Rao also indicated that a full investigation into the cause of the collapse will follow. “The government will not hesitate to act against any contractor or official found guilty of negligence,” he said, adding that new safety protocols for infrastructure projects would be introduced based on lessons learned from this incident.
Community and Families Await with Hope
Relatives of the trapped workers, many of whom have been camping at the site for days, expressed both anxiety and hope after hearing the Minister’s assurance. Community leaders and local residents have also been supporting the families with food, shelter, and moral support throughout the ordeal.
Next Steps
As the clock ticks towards the March 2 deadline, rescue teams are focusing on the final stabilization of the access route to ensure the safe retrieval of every trapped worker. Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Authority is preparing a post-rescue rehabilitation plan, including medical care, counseling, and compensation for affected families.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time
The Telangana tunnel collapse rescue mission has become a test of both engineering expertise and human resilience. As the state government faces growing scrutiny over safety lapses, the successful rescue of the trapped workers could offer a moment of relief — but the broader questions about workplace safety and infrastructure oversight in the state’s ambitious development projects will linger long after the rescue is over.
