As the rescue operation extends into its fourth day, officials confirmed on Tuesday, February 25, that experts from both organisations are evaluating the tunnel’s stability and advising on the next course of action. Nagarkurnool District Collector B Santhosh stated that while dewatering operations continue, ensuring the structural integrity of the tunnel remains a top priority.
“As of now, we are not able to communicate with them (trapped individuals). We are taking the advice of the Geological Survey of India and some other experts. At present, we are continuing dewatering and moving forward. However, for the last 40 to 50 metres, we have been unable to proceed further. We are taking guidance from GSI and NGRI. L&T experts have also arrived,” Santhosh said, reported PTI.
Rescue teams have faced significant hurdles in reaching the trapped workers due to thick debris and muck accumulation.
In addition to Indian specialists, an Australian expert from L&T, a firm with extensive experience in tunnel-related operations, has been engaged to evaluate the tunnel’s structural condition at the accident site.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy are scheduled to visit the location to oversee the rescue operations and make critical decisions, sources confirmed to PTI.
Despite relentless efforts by the Indian Army, National Disaster response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, the challenging conditions inside the tunnel have hampered progress. Officials cited difficulties such as tangled iron rods, cement blocks and dense muck.
A team of 584 skilled personnel from the Army, Navy, Singareni Collieries, and disaster response units have conducted seven tunnel inspections so far. Additionally, gas cutters are being used continuously to clear metal obstructions, official sources stated.
On Monday, Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao remarked that the chances of survival for the trapped workers were “very remote” and estimated that the rescue operation would require at least three to four more days due to the complexity of the situation.
Furthermore, a team of rat miners, renowned for their expertise in rescuing workers trapped in the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand in 2023, has joined efforts to extract the individuals, the minister confirmed.
(With inputs from agencies)
