Rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel collapse site in Telangana continue as authorities strive to locate and save eight trapped workers. In a significant development, two cadaver dogs from the Kerala Police have been deployed to aid in the search operation.
According to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the deployment of the specially trained dogs and their handlers came in response to a request from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to the State Disaster Management Authority. The move aims to enhance the ongoing efforts to recover victims and locate potential survivors within the debris.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
NDRF Commandant VVN Prasanna Kumar confirmed that the operation is being carried out at full capacity, with around 300 personnel, including 100 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), actively involved in the effort. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and Singareni Collieries Company Limited are also contributing to the rescue mission.
“Approximately twelve agencies are working tirelessly to find the victims. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate them so far,” Kumar stated, emphasizing the complexity of the operation.
Challenges in the Rescue Effort
One of the primary challenges faced by rescuers is the presence of a damaged Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), weighing approximately 1,500 tons, which has obstructed the tunnel path and made access to the trapped workers significantly difficult.
“Due to the complexity of the tunnel operation, we have not achieved success yet. However, maximum manpower has been engaged in a structured manner, and we are hopeful of positive results soon,” Kumar added.
Government’s Response
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited the SLBC tunnel site on Sunday to assess the situation and oversee the ongoing rescue operations. Both the Telangana and Central governments have deployed top experts from across the country to assist in the highly technical and delicate mission.
The rescue effort has now entered its 13th day since the tunnel collapsed on February 22. Authorities remain hopeful that the combined expertise and resources dedicated to the operation will lead to a successful outcome soon.
Sources By Agencies
