SLBC Tunnel Collapse: Experts confirm tunnel site stabilised, debris removal commences

The site conditions were studied even by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) while other teams including rathole miners ventured till the critical point of the mine

Hyderabad: After a thorough analysis, experts from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have declared that the roof soils and surrounding areas of the SLBC (Srisailam Left Bank Canal) tunnel cave-in site are sufficiently stabilised.

They made it clear that the site would be posing no further threat of collapse. This announcement came as a result of detailed structural examinations conducted by the BRO, making the site relatively safer for debris removal operations.

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The site conditions were studied even by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) while other teams including rathole miners ventured till the critical point of the mine. Following elaborate exercises, the BRO has given the green signal to extend operations beyond the 13.75-kilometre mark. The extension was permitted only after ensuring the site’s safety for the rescue personnel.

Following the go-ahead from the BRO, personnel from the Army, Navy, and the contract organization embarked on the mission to clear the debris and shift the muck using the conveyor belt. The arduous task commenced on Wednesday evening and is expected to last for 48 hours. The quality of the debris is currently being estimated.

According to preliminary estimates over two lakh cubic meters of debris lying at the site must be handled to ascertain the fate of the missing workers and engineers. Lifting such a large quantity of debris, especially when the available facilities are designed for much smaller volumes, presents a major challenge.

‘It would be highly impossible to clear it in the two days’ time, a target set for the mission’s completion. But it can be managed through a combination of strategies and resources,’ said an engineering official monitoring the operations on-site. He explained that the operation would be split into smaller, manageable phases.

This approach allows the existing facilities to be used continuously over a longer period, gradually handling the total volume of debris. Additional equipment was on the way to increase lifting capacity.

The possibility of using an additional conveyor belt is being examined while deploying loaders to expedite the process. The issue of the tunnel boring machine stuck inside the tunnel will be addressed on priority, he added.