SLBC Tunnel Collapse: Robots deployed to help find seven trapped workers

Hyderabad: On Tuesday, robots joined in the search for the seven people who have been trapped within the partially collapsed Srisailam Left Branch Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool District since February 22.

The Telangana government has chosen to utilise robots to prevent endangering rescue people since the circumstances within the tunnel, including water and slush, were difficult to navigate. As per the government’s decision to use robots in the SLBC tunnel rescue operations, representatives from Anvi Robotics, a Hyderabad-based company, deployed an AI-based robotic camera system.

One person was found dead during search

The company representatives, Vijay and Akshay, sent the robotic system into the tunnel using a loco train. Apart from that, as many as 110 rescue personnel also went into the tunnel. The representatives also set up a communication system near the control office.

Two days ago, the rescue personnel recovered the dead body of Gurpreet Singh, a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) operator who worked for a foreign company involved in tunnel works. The body was sent to his native place in Punjab in a hearse van.

The Telangana State Government has provided an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh to his family. Apart from Gurpreet Singh, the seven other workers who are trapped include Manoj Kumar (UP), Sri Niwas (UP), Sunny Singh (J&K), Santosh Sahu, Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess and Anuj Sahu. All are from Jharkhand.

Efforts to speed up rescue

Meanwhile, Disaster and Management special chief secretary Arvind Kumar and district collector Badavath Santosh conducted a review meeting at the SLBC Tunnel office regarding the ongoing rescue operations. During this meeting, officials reviewed the current progress of the rescue efforts and discussed the future course of action.

Extensive discussions were held on the procedures to be followed, the use of robotics and mechanical equipment, the debris removal process, and safety measures to accelerate the rescue operations. Officials emphasized the need to take all necessary steps to speed up the efforts effectively.

The authorities also highlighted that robotic assistance is being used to ensure that there is no loss of life during the operations. Additionally, necessary equipment and rescue harnesses have been deployed, and cadaver dogs have been sent to the disaster site once again to assist in the search efforts.