SLBC rescue operations in their last leg: Debris removal in final 50- meter stretch to be completed by April 15

Although the original target was to finish the task by April 10, progress has been hindered by slushy conditions due to rising water seepage at the accident site. However, officials remain hopeful that the tunnel will be cleared up to the cave-in point by April 15, as long as operations continue smoothly.

Hyderabad: Rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel accident site have reached a critical stage. The debris removal exercise at the roof collapse site is nearing completion, with only the last 50-meter stretch close to the tunnel’s end remaining.

Despite initial plans to complete the task by April 10, the slushy conditions caused by increasing water seepage into the accident site have delayed progress. Officials are optimistic that the tunnel will be cleared up to the cave-in spot by April 15, provided operations proceed as planned.

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Of the eight persons reported missing after the accident, six workers have been left untraced so far. Though the cadaver dogs identified two more points for excavation, no human remains have been discovered so far. Authorities suspect that the missing workers may be buried in the final stretch of the tunnel, where work is in progress.

Given that over a month and a half has passed since the accident, the chances of survival are considered extremely slim. Officials believe the bodies of all six individuals could be located at a single point within the debris. Special Officer Shivashankar Lotheti, overseeing the rescue efforts, highlighted the progress made in the operations so far.

During a review meeting held at the SLBC Tunnel Inlet 1 office, attended by senior officials from various rescue teams, he provided updates on the ongoing operations. He explained that soil excavation is being conducted using conveyor belts to remove large quantities of debris from the tunnel.

Additional tasks, including cutting and removing steel components, dewatering operations, and clearing tunnel boring machine (TBM) parts, are being carried out at an accelerated pace.