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In the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project in Telangana, there has been 8 individuals trapped in a surviving yet partially collapsed tunnel for the past five days as of Wednesday. The speed at which silt and water continuously surge into the tunnel is very high and makes the situation extremely dangerous for the rescuers.
As per the single entry and exit point to the SLBC tunnel, irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy did cite experts that said this is the world most complex and difficult tunnel rescue operation, especially in India. The SLBC tunnel is considered to be the longest irrigation tunnel in the world.
On tuesday, army and navy top experts alongside GSI officers and several other agencies made relentless attempts to breakthrough the collapsed SLBC tunnel rescue work despite the threats which jeopardized the lifes of the rescuers.
Before any further steps are taken, the Collector of Nagarkurnool, B Santhosh, said that the stability of the tunnel has been considered even as dewatering proceedings take place. “At this point in time we are unable to talk to them (the persons trapped) at all. The rest of it we are discussing along with the Geological survey of India and some other people. Right now we are dewatering and moving ahead, but for the last 40 or 50 meters we cannot go. Rest is best advised to GSI and NGRI. L&T experts have also come here,” said the collector.
Facts of the rescue you need to know
Despite the continuous pumping of oxygen into the tunnel, there has been no communication with the people trapped in the cave.
There are over 11 agencies such as the Indian Army and the Navy’s Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) along with NDRF, SDRF, GSI, Rat Miners and SCCL who are working non-stop for the rescue of the eight people.
It is suggested that the collapse might have happened due to some geological fault lines giving way or due to a gradual tectonic shift.
In order to look for other ways, the professionals are trying to consider the possibility of drilling from above and the side of the tunnel, provided that all security measures are taken.
The Border Security Force General Harpal Singh has been briefed over the phone by the state government regarding the SLBC case with the intention of soliciting his opinion on the matter.
A single integrated command control has been created which is under the permanent watch of the Special Chief Secretary, Mr. Arvind Kumar.
Many people are working in the tunnel and they keep sending videos and pictures, which is currently being analyzed by the specialists.
Rescue crews were able to approach the tunnel boring machine aka TBM. They encountered a new problem after the TBM though, at a distance of about 40-50 meters, they ran into roughly 4-5 meters of mud build up that was surrounding the rest of the machine, making it impossible for the crew to advance any further.
The group has gone back inside with extra support, tools, and equipment.
Media blamed the political parties for this issue
The media execution of the political parties range from slack to downright unsupportive and pathetic, especially after BRS Working President K T Rama Rao has demanded, with a hint of bloodlust, that a judicial inquiry should be set about this issue, while Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, saying in a soothing voice feminine tone, oh so calmly dismissed the demand saying that this is not the right time to indulge in politics and the onus should be to rescue those who are in the tunnel.
