Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy Advocates Robot Use in SLBC Tunnel Rescue Efforts
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Synopsis
Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy has proposed using robots in the rescue operations for the SLBC tunnel, where eight workers have been trapped since February 22. He emphasizes the need to prevent further loss of life during the ongoing rescue efforts involving multiple agencies.
Key Takeaways
- Proposed use of robots in rescue missions.
- Eight individuals trapped since February 22.
- Rescue teams facing challenges in locating the missing.
- Government committed to supporting families of the victims.
- Criticism of opposition parties for their remarks.
Hyderabad, Jan 2 (NationPress) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy proposed the incorporation of robots in the rescue missions for the Srisailama Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, where eight individuals have been trapped since February 22.
During his visit to the tunnel on Sunday, the Chief Minister convened a review meeting with the agencies engaged in the rescue operation, urging officials to explore the integration of robots to avoid further loss of life.
He informed the media that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the rescue.
In the review meeting, he emphasized the necessity of utilizing robots alongside human resources and materials for the rescue mission. “We must prevent any additional loss of life. Many individuals are entering the site to work, and our goal is to safeguard their well-being,” he stated.
He noted that rescue teams from 11 leading agencies, including the Army and Navy, are tirelessly working to locate the missing individuals, but it may take an estimated 2-3 days to reach a conclusion.
“The eight missing individuals have yet to be located. Experts have not determined their status, whether they are alive or deceased,” he mentioned.
Revanth Reddy pointed out that rescue teams are facing significant challenges, such as water seepage and silt 13 km into the tunnel. He added that the rescue workers were hindered from removing the silt and debris as the conveyor belt was out of order. However, he expressed optimism that the conveyor belt would be operational by Monday evening, expediting the rescue efforts.
The Chief Minister reiterated that agencies have not conclusively identified the locations of the machinery and individuals, although they have tentatively pinpointed certain areas.
He assured that the state government would provide comprehensive assistance to the families of the eight individuals, who had traveled from other states to work as engineers, machine operators, or laborers. “It is our duty to assist them,” he emphasized, urging everyone to unite in supporting the affected families.
He criticized opposition parties for their negative remarks regarding his government, which has promptly initiated rescue operations and enlisted top agencies from both the Centre and the state, along with leading tunnel specialists.
Revanth Reddy mentioned that his government has permitted opposition leaders to visit the project and offer their input. “In the past, when an accident occurred at the SLBC power generation unit, I attempted to visit the site, but I was detained. Those in power at that time did not visit the site, nor did they allow the opposition to do so,” he remarked.
The Irrigation Minister, Uttam Kumar Reddy, stated that 11 agencies, including the Army, Navy's MARCOS, the Border Roads Organisation, the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Railways, the Singareni Collieries, the NDRF, the SDRF, the NGRI, and the Geological Survey of India, are collaborating under a unified command.
