Families of eight workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel since February 22 are still waiting anxiously for their rescue. The process of removing debris has been slow and difficult, even though the conveyor belt used for clearing mud has been restored.
Rescue efforts have been challenging due to the collapsed tunnel, especially in the last 20 meters where a damaged tunnel boring machine (TBM) is blocking the way. Although the conveyor belt was fixed on Tuesday evening, officials say it is not enough to solve the problem completely.
Technical and Logistical Challenges
A senior official explained that the conveyor belt was originally designed to work with the TBM, automatically transporting excavated material. Now, it has to function on its own, and its efficiency is uncertain. Officials need five to six hours of testing to confirm if it works properly.
Additionally, the belt has only been restored up to 13.5 km from the tunnel entrance, leaving 400 meters where debris must be removed manually. Since the belt is mounted three meters high along the tunnel wall, loading mud onto it is a slow and difficult task.
Another challenge is removing the TBM’s metal parts. The conveyor belt cannot handle metal debris, as it could get damaged. Instead, heavy locomotive trolleys are being used, which slows down the process further.
Water Seepage Causing More Problems
Rescue teams are also dealing with continuous water seepage inside the tunnel. Around 3,500 liters of water per minute are accumulating in different areas. To handle this, large pumps with 2,200 HP motors are being used to drain the water, but it remains a major obstacle.
Despite continuous efforts by teams from Singareni Collieries Company Ltd and South Central Railway, officials are still unable to give a clear timeline for when they will reach the trapped workers. The combination of mud, debris, mechanical failures, and water is making the rescue operation extremely difficult.
Families Waiting in Fear
As the rescue operation enters its second week, the families of the trapped workers are growing more worried. They are waiting for any positive news, but with no clear deadline for completion, their concerns are increasing. Officials assure them that every possible effort is being made to bring the workers to safety.
For now, all eyes are on the tunnel, as rescue teams work tirelessly against many challenges, hoping to bring the trapped workers back alive.
