SLBC rescue operation: teams focus on shifting out of parts of TBM to step up debris removal

Multi-agency teams intensify efforts to remove debris and damaged tunnel boring machine parts to rescue remaining six persons.

HYDERABAD

The multi-agency rescue teams engaged in tracing the bodies of remaining six persons buried under the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel debris since February 22 have intensified the removal of steel and other metal parts of the damaged tunnel boring machine (TBM) to facilitate further speeding up of debris removal.

On the 39th day of the rescue operation on Tuesday, the rescue teams focused on cutting the damaged parts of the TBM with the help of technicians from the South Central Railway (SCR) and on restoring the conveyor belt for another 100 metres inside — from 13.630 km to 13.730 km.

Removal of the parts of TBM has become necessary to take up debris removal in the last 50 metres stretch of the tunnel, where the remaining six persons are suspected to be buried on the day of the accident. The last stretch is highly risky with the chances of further caving in of the tunnel due to continuous seepage of water in a large volume.

According to official sources, the rescue teams have already come to a conclusion that they would not take up debris removal manually but would do it only with the help of the machinery, particularly with mini-excavators with extended arms.

The Special Officer appointed to oversee the rescue operation and coordinate with the rescue teams, Siva Sankar Lotheti held a meeting with the heads of rescue teams and reviewed the progress of rescue work. The dewatering process with a multi-stage pumping system is also in progress round-the-clock.

Army authorities Vikas Singh and Vijaykumar, Madhava Rao of Singareni Collieries, Manmohan Yadav and Satyanarayana of NDRF, Giridhar Reddy of SDRF, Jayaprakash of Hydraa, Firoz Qureshi of Rathole miners, Prabhat of Kerala cadaver dog squad, representatives of Jaypee Associates attended the meeting.