Rescue operation under way to locate workers trapped inside the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project tunnel in Nagarkurnool on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: DRDO
HYDERABAD
The multi-agency rescue teams have taken to the removal of debris in the last 50 metres length of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel where the bodies of the remaining six persons are believed to be buried since February 22.
According to Special Officer Siva Sankar Lotheti who has been appointed to oversee the rescue operation, there was debris piled up for about 3 metres height on the floor of the tunnel and its removal is an arduous task since the debris has hardened due to continuous seepage of water from the roof and sides of the tunnel.
The rescue agencies belonging to the Central and State governments were engaged in the rescue operation with the help of technology, machinery and tunnel experts. He reviewed the progress of the rescue operation at the site office near the mouth of the tunnel near Domalapenta village of Amrabad mandal in Nagarkurnool district.
Mr. Lotheti stated that mine excavators and bobcat loaders were engaged to remove boulders from the debris and load them onto the locomotive. The parts of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) cut into pieces were also being loaded onto the locomotive. The remaining debris was being shifted out of the tunnel with the help of the conveyor belt.
The progress of debris removal was also being taken to the notice of the higher authorities from time to time. Team leaders of Singareni miners, SDRF, South Central Railway, Jaypee Associates, HYDRAA and other agencies participated in the review meeting.
Published – April 16, 2025 07:19 pm IST
