HYDERABAD: Rescue operations are ongoing inside the left bank tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project. Efforts are currently focused on a remaining 50-metre stretch with a height of 3 metres within the tunnel. For the past 54 days, teams have been searching for the bodies of six workers who remain trapped.
Debris, rocks, and sludge are being rapidly cleared to facilitate the retrieval process.
On Wednesday, a review meeting was held at Domalapenta village in Amrabad mandal, Achampet constituency of Nagarkurnool district. The session focused on the SLBC tunnel rescue operations and was attended by officials from Singareni Mines Rescue, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), South Central Railway, and JP Company. Senior Project Engineer Sanjay Kumar Singh, Hydra operators, senior officials, and Tunnel Special Officer Shiva Shankar Loteti were present.
Speaking after the meeting, officials explained that both central and state government teams are working in full coordination. The SLBC tunnel rescue operations are being carried out using advanced machinery, guided by the expertise of tunnel construction specialists.
They stated that rescue efforts have been in motion continuously since the day of the incident, aimed at locating those trapped inside. The remaining section of 50 metres in length and 3 metres in height is being actively cleared.
Inside the tunnel, excavators and bobcats are being used to remove large boulders. The excavated soil is being transported outside via conveyor belts, while cut sections of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) are being taken out using a loco train. Dewatering operations are also underway without interruption.
Tunnel Special Officer Shiva Shankar Loteti further stated that the rescue operations are being conducted in accordance with directives from the state government, and regular updates on the internal tunnel operations are being submitted to senior authorities.
