Nagarkurnool (Telangana), Feb 26 – Rescue efforts continue in full swing at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel in Telangana, where eight individuals have been trapped since the collapse on February 22. With sludge inside the tunnel solidifying, authorities have now decided to deploy sniffer dogs to aid in locating the missing workers, District Collector B Santhosh confirmed on Wednesday.
The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) is expected to provide its assessment on soil stabilization and other critical factors today. Based on their findings, an updated action plan for the rescue will be formulated, Santhosh stated.
Authorities successfully reached the accident site inside the tunnel using a thermal fishing boat. "Initially, there was a hurdle of 40 meters due to sludge accumulation. However, the sludge has now solidified significantly, allowing the team to advance to the accident spot. We will now deploy a sniffer dog to assist in locating the trapped individuals," the collector explained.
Efforts are focused on establishing contact with the trapped workers, but attempts made last night yielded no response. Meanwhile, officials are working to activate the conveyor belt system to facilitate further excavation. Additional space at the Tunnel Boring Machine site is also being created to aid in the rescue mission.
Telangana Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy are closely monitoring the situation and holding discussions with rescue teams to devise further strategies.
The trapped workers remain unaccounted for as the rescue operation enters its fifth day, with authorities intensifying efforts to reach them safely.
Last updated by a enewsx:
