HYDERABAD: The search operation for seven missing workers inside the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel is ongoing. Authorities have now deployed a robotic system to aid in the rescue, as manual excavation efforts have faced continuous challenges.
Rescue teams previously used cadaver dogs from Kerala and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) systems to locate possible sites, but excavation by Singareni workers and rat-hole miners yielded no results. The situation has been further complicated by continuous water seepage and accumulating mud, making it difficult to proceed manually.
Robot Deployed for Critical Search
To advance the rescue operation, a team from Hyderabad has deployed an Anvi robot inside the tunnel. The rescue team has been proceeding as follows:
- They first travelled 13.2 km inside the tunnel using a loco train.
- From there, they had to proceed on foot for another 650 meters, carefully navigating through debris, mud, and excavators trapped in the collapsed section.
Despite 17 days of continuous efforts, no further signs of the missing workers have been found. Officials now hope the robotic system will provide crucial leads to locate them.
Challenges Hindering Rescue Operations
Rescue operations are facing severe obstacles, including unstable debris and collapsed structures blocking the path; Continuous water seepage, leading to muddy conditions and restricted human access due to safety concerns.
Officials believe that the missing workers’ bodies may be near the final collapse point. The robot will explore unreachable areas, providing valuable data to move the rescue forward.