HYDERABAD: The rescue operation at the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel in Domalapenta has now entered its 16th day, as efforts continue to locate the eight missing workers. Despite relentless efforts by 11 rescue teams working non-stop for the past 15 days, several challenges and obstacles have slowed down the process.
Rescue teams have successfully advanced 13.50 km into the tunnel, but another 50 meters remain to reach the suspected location of the missing workers. Progress has been difficult due to debris and structural instability.
Breakthrough in Rescue Efforts
In a key development, search teams have made progress in locating the missing workers. Kerala cadaver dogs, brought in to assist with the search, have identified possible traces of bodies at the D-2 point, located 100 meters from the accident site. However, rescue personnel are carefully removing debris in the area, and authorities believe that some of the missing individuals may be found by tonight.
Despite these reports, officials have not yet confirmed the discovery of bodies inside the tunnel.
Kerala Cadaver Dogs Highlight Need for Specialized Training
The involvement of Kerala cadaver dogs in the SLBC rescue operation has sparked discussions among police and rescue teams. Although Telangana has trained sniffer dogs, they were unable to detect any traces, raising questions about the absence of cadaver dog training in the state.
Some police personnel have even questioned, “Why couldn’t our own trained dogs detect anything?”, as Telangana’s sniffer dogs had to be withdrawn after failing to deliver results. Reports indicate that Kerala’s cadaver dogs have successfully located potential sites within the tunnel, leading to discussions on introducing similar training for Telangana police dogs to improve rescue capabilities.
Authorities remain focused on completing the final stretch of the rescue mission and recovering the missing workers as soon as possible.
