Telangana: SLBC rescue operations may extend beyond April 15 deadline

Presence of massive boulders caused by a land slip inside the tunnel posing a challenge

Hyderabad: Rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel are facing serious obstacles. They are expected to extend beyond the initially planned deadline of April 15. The main obstacle is the presence of massive boulders caused by a land slip inside the tunnel. These boulders are being crushed into smaller pieces using heavy machinery before being removed as part of the debris from the tunnel.

Daily assessment of the tunnel environment, soil stability, and water flow are guiding the operations in their last leg in the tunnel. Teams from various agencies are engaged seriously on the arduous task adhering to guidelines provided by the Geological Survey of India scientists and irrigation experts.

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Initially scheduled for completion by April 10, the rescue mission was extended by five days. However, considering the current progress, it may take even longer. The removal of debris in the last 50 metres of the tunnel is particularly critical. Although the target was set to clear 20 metres of debris per day, the actual progress has been limited to 10 metres daily.

Efforts are being intensified under the supervision of SLBC Tunnel Special Officer Sivashankar Lotheti. On Sunday, a review meeting was held at the SLBC Tunnel Inlet 1 office in Domalapenta with senior officials from rescue teams. Officials said that there was steady progress in the rescue operations. Precautions are being taken to address obstacles during soil excavation. The completion of the pathway to the accident site is expected to accelerate the operations, they said.