The rescue operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Domalapenta has entered a crucial phase. Experts are working hard to clear the debris and stabilize the site. Colonel Parikshit Mehra, a tunnel expert from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), provided an update on Wednesday, stating that significant progress had been made.
The rescue teams are now focused on removing the remaining debris. They are using a conveyor belt system that was restored on Tuesday evening. However, the families of the eight trapped workers are still waiting anxiously, as clearing the debris and mud is taking longer than expected. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is leading the efforts, using water jets to clear the left side of the tunnel boring machine (TBM).
To speed up the process, experts from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) in Delhi and NV Robotics from Hyderabad have introduced robotic assistance inside the tunnel. Officials were shown how these machines are helping to remove the accumulated mud. Additionally, ventilation and lighting systems have been improved to make conditions better for the rescuers.
A high-level review meeting was held on the 12th day of the operation. Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management Arvind Kumar and Nagarkurnool District Collector Badavath Santhosh led the meeting. Senior officials and technical experts from different agencies, including Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) Mines Rescue, South Central Railway’s plasma cutters team, and Geological Survey of India (GSI), discussed the progress and planned the next steps.
Even with all these efforts, the operation remains complex, and officials cannot say exactly when they will reach the trapped workers. However, authorities remain hopeful that the intensified rescue measures will lead to a breakthrough soon.
