Telangana: SLBC tunnel rescue operations to be completed in a fortnight

During a visit to the accident site, Srinivas Reddy highlighted the swift progress of rescue efforts. The clearing of the 105-110 tunnel stretch still left filled with debris would resolve the issue.

Hyderabad: The rescue operations taken up following the roof collapse accident in the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel are expected to conclude within the next 10-15 days, according to Rvenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Wednesday.

The Minister also assured that Krishna River waters would be made available to farmers in the targeted ayacut in the erstwhile Nalgonda district within two and a half years.

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During a visit to the accident site, Srinivas Reddy highlighted the swift progress of rescue efforts. The clearing of the 105-110 tunnel stretch still left filled with debris would resolve the issue.

The accident site, located 14 kilometres inside the tunnel, posed problems due to the limited availability of air and light, as well as the presence of rocks and mud obstructing the area.

Over the past 40 days, 700-800 experts have worked tirelessly under official supervision, with 550-560 personnel currently engaged in rescue operations using advanced equipment.

Despite difficulties caused by mud and debris, the State government has ensured smooth operations for rescue teams. Quoting the Chief Minister, he said officials monitoring the operations, including the Collector and Disaster Management Officers, were desired to remain available at the site all time.

So far, two bodies have been recovered, and compensation for the families of the deceased has been arranged. The Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future accidents during the further excavation of the tunnel.

He also reaffirmed the project’s objective of providing irrigation water to farmers, an arduous task that owed to the vision of the late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

The SLBC tunnel accident occurred on February 22, trapping eight workers. Rescue teams have been removing debris and water from the site, facing challenges due to the collapsed rocks and Tunnel Boring Machine components.