The search operations to rescue seven workers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel are progressing at brisk pace, with the Telangana government deploying all available equipment for the massive rescue operation. Close to 700 personnel are working round-the-clock to save the seven workers trapped inside the tunnel since last month.
Rescuers are continuing efforts to locate the seven workers trapped inside the tunnel for 21 days. As per an official statement, rescue personnel entered inside the tunnel on Friday morning with essential equipment and resumed operations. Personnel from Singareni Collieries along with rat miners have been carrying out excavation at the points which have been identified as possible sites of the missing persons, it said.
#WATCH | SLBC Tunnel Collapse Incident | Nagarkurnool, Telangana: Rescue operation underway for seven workers still who are trapped inside the SLBC Tunnel of Srisailam left bank canal on 22 February. The body of one worker was removed from inside the tunnel on March 10.
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2025
(Video… pic.twitter.com/MpDJcj7Wjo
Earlier, authorities deployed robots for the operation to carry out searches at “risky points” within the tunnel. According to officials, robots were deployed as they can access "dangerous places" inside the tunnel, where humans cannot reach, and can operate with 15 times greater efficiency.
Cadaver dogs from Kerala were also brought for the search operation. The specially trained dogs can identify human presence even below 15ft. Officials added the search operation including dewatering process is progressing round-the-clock. Personnel from 12 agencies including the Army, NDRF, SDRF, HRDD and Singareni Collieries are involved in the rescue mission.
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Eight workers got trapped inside the tunnel when the roof of it partially collapsed on February 22. The trapped workers include two engineers, two operators and four labourers. Rescuers earlier recovered the body of Gurpreet Singh, who worked as a TBM operator from the tunnel. The body was handed over to his family members in Punjab.
Apart from Gurpreet Singh, the seven others still trapped include Manoj Kumar (Uttar Pradesh), Sunny Singh (J&K), and Sandeep Sahu, Jegta Xess, and Anuj Sahu, all from Jharkhand.
