Tunnel Collapse: Rescue Operations Progressing Rapidly, Excavation Underway to Locate Survivors

Nagarkurnool (Telangana), March 5: Rescue efforts at the partially collapsed SLBC tunnel, where eight individuals have been trapped for the last 12 days, continued at an accelerated pace on Wednesday. Excavation is being conducted at locations identified by scientists to search for signs of human presence.
Officials reported that the conveyor belt within the tunnel has been repaired and is now operational, aiding rescue teams in removing debris. This belt had been damaged during the incident on February 22.
Rescue teams are also drilling at various points based on insights from scientists at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad, who are utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect human presence.
However, the challenging conditions inside the tunnel, including muck and water, are complicating the rescue operations.
Previous inspections at other locations identified by scientists yielded no signs of survivors. On Tuesday evening, officials announced that representatives from the National Centre for Seismology in Delhi have joined the rescue efforts. These scientists will conduct seismological studies at the site.
According to officials, the final components of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) will be cut using a gas cutter and removed from the tunnel using a locomotive train. Eight individuals—engineers and laborers—have been trapped in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project tunnel since February 22. Experts from NDRF, the Indian Army, the Navy, and various agencies are tirelessly working to bring them to safety. (Agencies)