Nagarkurnool (Telangana), March 4: Rescue teams have intensified efforts to save eight persons trapped inside the partially collapsed tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project, with officials hopeful that the damaged conveyor belt will become operational by the end of Tuesday.
It has been 11 days since the accident occurred on February 22, trapping engineers and labourers inside the tunnel. Despite relentless round-the-clock efforts in three shifts daily, rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, Indian Navy, and other agencies have yet to locate the trapped individuals. An official close to the operation stated, “The removal of debris and dewatering of the tunnel is actively ongoing, though there hasn't been a breakthrough yet.”
Conveyor Belt Repair Key to Accelerating Rescue Efforts
The damaged conveyor belt, crucial to the rescue operation, is expected to resume functioning today. This belt will significantly expedite the removal of muck, slush, and debris currently hindering progress, officials indicated. The presence of substantial slush and water inside the tunnel has been a persistent challenge for rescue personnel, posing risks and complicating the mission.Telangana Government Considering Deployment of Robots
To ensure the safety of rescue personnel, the Telangana state government is actively considering deploying robotic technology. Nagarkurnool Superintendent of Police, Vaibhav Gaikwad, confirmed the possibility on Monday evening, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding rescuers from potential threats inside the tunnel.Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, after visiting the accident site on Sunday, urged officials to explore the use of robots. “The exact location of the trapped persons remains unknown, and we are prepared to take every possible step to expedite the rescue operation,” Reddy stated.
He further added that the repaired conveyor belt would significantly boost the pace of the rescue operations, highlighting the government's commitment to resolving the crisis swiftly. The Chief Minister also assured comprehensive support for the affected families.
Rescue operations remain ongoing, and authorities remain hopeful of positive developments soon.
