February 24, 2025: Efforts are intensifying to rescue eight workers trapped inside Telangana's Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, as they remain stuck for nearly 48 hours. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is working tirelessly to drain out water and clear debris to reach the workers.

Telangana Minister J Krishna Rao, after inspecting the tunnel, expressed concerns about the workers' survival. "The chances are not that good. The muck inside has piled up too high, making it impossible to walk through. Rescuers are using rubber tubes and wooden planks to navigate," he told reporters, as per PTI reports.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning, when a three-meter section of the tunnel's roof collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. The collapse took place just four days after construction resumed following a long pause. While some workers managed to escape, eight remained trapped.

Rescue teams are working against time, with heavy debris and flooding posing significant challenges. Authorities are yet to establish contact with the trapped workers, raising concerns about their safety.