HYDERABAD: The rescue operations in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel have reached their 24th day, with teams tirelessly working to locate the seven remaining workers trapped since the partial collapse on February 22. Despite relentless efforts, the operations have been severely hindered by continuous water inflow within the tunnel.
The SLBC tunnel has been experiencing relentless water inflow, forming stream-like conditions that pose significant challenges to the rescue teams. To mitigate this, authorities have installed pumping motors at intervals of every 2.5 kilometers to expel the water. However, the water flow has not diminished, and the tunnel continues to resemble a flowing canal, complicating the rescue operations.
In an effort to expedite the rescue operations, the government has authorized the use of robotic services over the past four days. Despite technical challenges, full-scale deployment of robotic assistance is expected to commence from Monday, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the rescue efforts.
The rescue operation is a coordinated effort involving teams from Singareni, South Central Railway, Rat Hole Miners, and other groups working around the clock. Disaster Management Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, along with Collector Badawat Santosh and SP Raghunath Gaikwad, have been conducting review meetings with senior officials and rescue teams to provide necessary guidance and accelerate the operations.
The rescue teams are meticulously cutting and removing sections of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) to clear the path. Recognizing the high-risk nature of certain areas, authorities are proceeding with utmost caution to ensure the safety of the
