Rescue teams have been working around the clock to save eight workers trapped in the collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel. Now in its fifth day, the operation includes MARCOS Naval Commandos, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), as well as personnel from the Army and Navy, along with expert rat miners. They are facing numerous challenges due to debris and water buildup.
In response, the Telangana Government has ramped up rescue efforts, deploying MARCOS Naval Commandos and BRO on Wednesday. Telangana's Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, stated that they have thoroughly evaluated the situation and developed strategies to reduce risks for the rescuers while speeding up the operation.
The minister previously mentioned that the rescue operation is expected to be finished within two days. They are also looking into alternative access routes, including both side and main exits. “We are implementing extra safety measures for the rescuers while we actively work to save the survivors,” he stated. A significant obstacle is the muddy water that is hindering access to the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which must be cut through to reach the workers. The government has ramped up dewatering efforts with the help of advanced machinery. Continuous tunnel monitoring with imaging technology is in place to ensure the structure remains stable and that rescue operations can proceed safely.
On Tuesday, a 20-member rescue team made it to the final section of the tunnel, breaking through the previous 40-metre limit. However, despite this advancement, they were unable to find the trapped individuals.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)