In February 2025, a tunnel under construction as part of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) irrigation project in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, tragically collapsed. The incident trapped eight workers inside, prompting a massive rescue operation involving hundreds of personnel. Despite relentless efforts, only two bodies were recovered in the initial weeks, leaving six workers unaccounted for.
The SLBC project was a crucial development initiative aimed at supplying water to drought-prone regions and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, safety concerns had long plagued the project site, with laborers reportedly raising alarms about unstable surfaces and inadequate support structures.
After the collapse, public attention turned to the accountability of project engineers and contractors. The state government announced compensation for the victims’ families and vowed a complete safety overhaul of all major irrigation and tunnel projects. Engineering experts have since urged the use of advanced geological scanning and reinforcement techniques in high-risk zones.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost behind rapid development. As India continues to invest in transformative infrastructure, the safety of workers and the accountability of stakeholders must be prioritized. Without these measures, progress risks being built on unstable ground.
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