The Telangana government has deployed a robot to aid in the ongoing rescue operations at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, where seven people remain trapped under debris following a partial collapse on February 22. The rescue mission entered its 18th day on Tuesday, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate the missing individuals.
An official statement confirmed that representatives from Hyderabad-based Anvi Robotics, along with a robot equipped with an AI-based camera system, entered the tunnel via a loco train on Tuesday morning. The robot is being used to navigate the hazardous environment and assist in locating those still trapped.
Efforts to Retrieve Trapped Workers
The collapse initially trapped eight individuals, including engineers and laborers. The rescue teams managed to retrieve the body of Gurpreet Singh, a tunnel boring machine operator from Cheema Kalan village in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, on Sunday. Singh’s remains were located with the assistance of cadaver dogs brought in from Kerala, and it took nearly 48 hours to extricate his body.
Officials reported that on Monday, the cadaver dogs identified two more locations where human remains might be present, approximately 16 meters away from the tunnel boring machine. As a precautionary measure, robotic assistance is being employed to ensure the safety of rescue personnel while working in the unstable environment.
Coordinated Rescue Efforts
To bolster the ongoing operations, Anvi Robotics has set up a communication system at a nearby office to facilitate coordination among agencies. Rescue equipment and safety harnesses have been provided, and cadaver dogs were reintroduced to the accident site for further investigation.
A total of 110 rescue personnel, including teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Singareni Collieries, South Central Railways, and Rat Miners, have joined efforts to locate the remaining victims.
Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management, Arvind Kumar, and Nagar Kurnool District Collector, Badavath Santosh, held a review meeting on Tuesday with senior officials overseeing the rescue operations. The meeting focused on the use of robotics and mechanical equipment, debris removal procedures, and safety measures to expedite the operation.
Challenges in Excavation
Excavation efforts have proven challenging due to the hardened debris, which has become as tough as concrete after prolonged exposure to tunnel water. Singareni miners, assisting in the operation, have cautioned that the affected area is fragile and requires meticulous handling to prevent further collapses. To mitigate risks, logs have been brought in to reinforce the excavation site, ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.
Approximately 15 feet of soil must be excavated at three locations identified by the cadaver dogs. Authorities are racing against time to clear the debris and reach the trapped individuals as quickly as possible.
Sources By Agencies