11 agencies deploy tech to rescue 8 trapped in SLBC tunnel in Telangana

In Telangana, 11 agencies besides camera-mounted drones capable of flying in tight spaces, sonar, and portable camera robots are among the devices deployed at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Nagarkurnool district. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Mallu Vikramarka informed that the state government will not give up until the eight men trapped inside are found. A portion of the tunnel collapsed, trapping the eight persons inside the tunnel and rescue teams have managed to cover a large part of the tunnel up to 13.79 km of the 13.85 km and facing severe challenges due to a mix of water and slush at the collapse site.

The Deputy Chief Minister visited the spot yesterday and after a review



meeting with rescue teams said, they would not spare any effort to locate the eight persons. He said numerous experts from across the country are already at the site and the government is in touch with international experts who have experience in this kind of situation. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy informed that 11 national and state agencies are now engaged in the operation. 

These include the Indian Army, Navy, Marcos Commandos, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Geological Survey of India and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) besides private agencies like Navayuga and L&T tunnel.