Former NDMA Vice Chairman and BJP leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy on Monday criticized the state government following the collapse of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC), where eight workers are feared to be trapped.

Reddy expressed his disappointment over the repeated occurrence of such incidents, blaming the state government for failing to take necessary precautions. He emphasized the need for stronger safety measures and a well-structured disaster management plan to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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Speaking to ANI, he stated, “…It is really disappointing and sad that this is not the first time that such floods have happened, SLBC tunnel has collapsed…It is definitely time for introspection.”

Further, he added, “I think the state government has not paid attention to what should be done in such situations. Two such incidents have happened. What is the lesson? Why were safety measures not taken? …Let us pray and hope that we will be able to rescue the trapped people…The State Disaster Management Authority should sit down and prepare a management plan, disaster management plan for such situations…”

Rescue operations have been underway since Sunday morning at the SLBC tunnel collapse site.

A three-meter section of the roof in an under-construction part of the tunnel collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on Saturday morning. The incident occurred just four days after construction work had resumed following a prolonged halt. While some workers managed to escape, eight remain trapped.

On Monday, endoscopic and robotic cameras were brought to the site to assist in the rescue operation, and the NDRF Dog Squad was also deployed.

The Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force (ETF) has deployed equipment and medical teams to remove debris and ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.