Nagarkurnool (Telangana): Top experts from the Indian Army, Navy, NDRF, GSI and other agencies made relentless efforts on Tuesday to find a breakthrough in the collapsed SLBC tunnel rescue work amidst threat to the lives of rescuers’ with the continuous flow of silt and water.
Addressing media persons, Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy cited experts, who described this as the most complex and difficult tunnel rescue operation in the world or at least in India as there is only one entry or exit to the SLBC tunnel.
He opined that the collapse might have taken place due to a slight tectonic shift and as some geological fault lines have given way.
It is the fourth day since eight persons have been trapped in the partially collapsed tunnel of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project.
“There is one problem. The flow of slit and water into the tunnel at a very high speed continues. So there was one opinion expressed by some experts that the people going into the rescue, even their lives could be endangered. So, we are a responsible government, we are taking the best expert opinion, and we will take a final call on that,” he said.
The political slugfest over the accident continued as BRS working president KT Rama Rao sought a judicial probe into the incident, while Congress Lok Sabha member Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy dismissed the demand, stating that this is not the time for politics and that the focus should be on rescuing those trapped inside the tunnel.
Minister Reddy noted that experts from 11 agencies such as Indian Army, the Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) of Navy, NDRF, SDRF, GSI, Rat Miners and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd are working round the clock to save the eight lives.
To explore alternative approaches, Reddy said experts are assessing the feasibility of drilling from the top and side of the tunnel while ensuring all necessary safety precautions.
“We are constantly evaluating every possible method to reach the trapped workers while prioritising their safety,” he said.
Reddy said he held discussions with Border Security Force General Harpal Singh over phone to brief him on the SLBC incident and seek his expertise.
The General acknowledged the complexity of the situation and assured his full support in providing technical expertise and assistance, he said.
