Telangana rescue teams have launched intensive operations at the site of the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool, where eight workers remain trapped since February 22.

According to officials, the trapped individuals include two machine operators and two engineers, South First reported.

The rescue mission, led by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), has made significant progress, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams reportedly just 50 meters away from the workers as of February 23.

A large-scale rescue operation is underway, involving four NDRF teams comprising 138 personnel, 24 Army personnel, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and 23 specialists from Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

Despite their efforts, officials cite heavy silt accumulation as a major hurdle, hindering access to the trapped individuals.

Nagarkurnool District Collector B. Santhosh stated that while oxygen and power supplies inside the tunnel have been restored, waterlogging and debris pose severe challenges. Dewatering and desilting operations continue as teams work tirelessly to reach the affected section.

State Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy confirmed that water inflow at the site is further complicating rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, workers who managed to escape have recalled concerns over water seepage in the tunnel.

“We have often talked about minor water seepage incidents," Sanjay Sah, a welder, told The Indian Express.

The trapped workers hail from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the rescuers' proximity, direct communication with them has not yet been established, making the situation critical.