SLBC Tunnel Collapse: Rescue teams speed up operations, clear huge rocks

Nagarkurnool: Following the disaster in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) Tunnel, where a collapse inside left eight workers trapped, big rocks near the accident site are being broken up with an excavator and transported out by a loco train.

The update was given by SLBC Tunnel special officer Shivshankar Loteti, who convened a review meeting with senior officials of the relief teams at the SLBC Tunnel Inlet 1 office in Domalapenta village, Amrabad mandal, Achampeta constituency, Nagarkurnool district, on Sunday.

Rescue efforts

Speaking on the occasion, Shivshankar Loteti said that the SLBC is making progress day by day in the rescue operations to locate those trapped in the tunnel accident. As part of the relief efforts, conveyor belt repairs, ventilation extension, soil excavation, cutting of TBM parts, removal of steel, and pumping out of spring water are being carried out at a rapid pace, he said and he added that rescue teams are continuing operations inside the tunnel.

Elaborating further, he stated that tunnel rescue teams at the SLBC are taking appropriate precautions to prevent any disruption to the excavation of soil during their rescue operations and that they are paying special attention to every little detail to ensure that the rescue operations continue smoothly.

He also said that by quickly completing the route to the accident site, the speed of rescue operations is likely to increase.

Experts called in

Shiva Shankar said that the rescue operations inside the tunnel are being carried out in a very comprehensive and planned manner.

“We are following the suggestions and advice of scientists from the Geographical Survey of India, irrigation department experts, engineers with experience in tunnel construction, and experts from other related departments,” he said.

He also explained that every small detail is being technically analysed, and relief measures are being taken in accordance with safety standards. Regular observations are being made on the weather, soil conditions, water flow, etc,. inside the tunnel, and based on that, further steps are being taken quickly, he added.