Telangana SLBC tunnel collapse: Cadaver dogs from Kerala deployed for rescue efforts

Also known as Human Remains Detection Dogs, they use their highly sensitive sense of smell to locate decomposed bodies, bones or other biological evidence, even if buried underground, submerged in water or hidden in debris

Hyderabad: With human efforts making no significant headway in the search operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project and the remains of the eight missing workers and engineers remaining elusive for close to two weeks, expert canines have joined the operations.

In a bid to expedite the search, cadaver dogs, also known as Human Remains Detection Dogs (HRDDs), have been deployed to assist in the rescue mission.

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Cadaver dogs are specially trained search-and-rescue dogs that detect human remains. They use their highly sensitive sense of smell to locate decomposed bodies, bones or other biological evidence, even if buried underground, submerged in water or hidden in debris.

These dogs are commonly used in disaster response, crime investigations and search operations for missing persons. Their training enables them to differentiate between human and animal remains, making them invaluable in situations like tunnel accidents such as the one in the SLBC.

Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar announced that cadaver dogs from Kerala have been deployed to help identify individuals trapped in the tunnel.

A high-level review meeting was conducted near the tunnel site by Arvind Kumar, along with Nagarkurnool District Collector Badavath Santosh, IIT experts, Singareni technical personnel, military officials and NDRF teams on Thursday. They discussed and strategised the ongoing rescue efforts.

Following the review, specialised teams from the NDRF, Singareni and IIT experts entered the tunnel to assess the situation. Officials have suggested removing debris from one end and transporting it via an escalator while redirecting water to another section to facilitate the rescue operation.

Arvind Kumar emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between personnel from the various departments and mechanical support for clearing the mud inside the tunnel.