Telangana tunnel collapse: Endoscopic, robotic cameras deployed for SLBC rescue operation

NEW DELHI: Endoscopic and robotic cameras were deployed at the Nagarkurnool (SLBC) tunnel on Monday to aid rescue efforts. The NDRF Dog squad has also joined the operation.
Rescue operations continue for eight labourers trapped inside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel since February 22, when a section collapsed.

L&T's endoscopic operator Dowdeep explained, "Through the endoscopic camera, we can track what is happening inside the tunnel. We have done this during the rescue operation in Uttarakhand as well. Two teams have come. Endoscopic and robotic cameras have been brought."
Teams are currently working to clear water from within the tunnel.
BJP leader Rachna Reddy, while speaking to reporters, said, "The SLBC tunnel collapse in Nagarno, Telangana, is tragic. The tunnel is about 14 kilometres long, and around 8 to 9 people, including labourers, employees, and some international workers, are trapped inside. The Indian government has provided all necessary support, including two fully equipped and trained NDRF teams. These teams are working to find the most efficient way to access the tunnel and rescue those trapped inside. Though it has been two days, and hope is dwindling, there are still hopes that the trapped people may be alive due to air pockets inside the tunnel. The Telangana government, along with the Indian government, is doing everything possible to prevent this from becoming a larger tragedy."
NDRF officials confirmed that debris has prevented confirmation of the trapped workers' precise location.
NDRF deputy commandant Sukhendu Datta told about accessing 13.5 kilometres inside using locomotives and conveyor belts.
"Yesterday around 10 PM, we went inside to check what the situation was like. The locomotives were used to enter the tunnel. From the gate of the tunnel, we covered a total of around 13.5 km. We covered 11 km by train and then the rest of 2 km by conveyor belt and by walking," Datta explained.
He noted that debris completely blocks the final 200 metres, making it impossible to verify the trapped workers' status or exact position.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a three-metre section of the roof collapsed at the 14 km mark near Domalapenta in Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. The collapse happened just four days after work resumed following a long break. While some workers escaped, eight remained trapped.