Telangana CM Proposes Robot Assistance for SLBC Tunnel Rescue
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Synopsis
On January 2, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy recommended the use of robots in the rescue operations at the Srisailama Left Bank Canal tunnel, where eight individuals have been trapped since February 22. He aims to ensure the safety of rescue workers and expedite the ongoing efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Use of robots proposed for rescue.
- Eight individuals trapped since February 22.
- Rescue teams from 11 agencies are involved.
- Government committed to supporting families.
- Challenges include water seepage and conveyor issues.
Hyderabad, Jan 2 (NationPress) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday proposed the implementation of robots for rescue efforts in the partially-collapsed Srisailama Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, where eight individuals have been trapped since February 22.
The Chief Minister visited the site and conducted a review meeting with the rescue agencies, urging officials to consider the use of robots to avert any further loss of life.
He informed the media that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in the rescue.
During the review, he emphasized the necessity of deploying robots alongside human teams and equipment for the rescue mission. "We must prevent any additional loss of life. Many are risking their safety to assist, and we want to guarantee their protection," he stated.
Revanth Reddy reported that rescue teams from 11 leading agencies, including the Army and Navy, are tirelessly working to locate the missing individuals, though it may take an additional 2-3 days to reach a resolution.
"The eight individuals have yet to be accounted for. Experts have not determined whether they are alive or deceased," he noted.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by rescue teams, including water seepage and silt accumulation 13 km into the tunnel. He mentioned that the conveyor belt, which had malfunctioned, was expected to be operational by Monday evening, potentially expediting the rescue efforts.
He assured that the government would provide necessary support to the families of the eight trapped individuals, who had come from various states to work as engineers, machine operators, or laborers. He underscored the government’s duty to assist these families and called for communal support to comfort them during this crisis.
Revanth Reddy criticized opposition parties for their negative comments despite the government’s prompt action in initiating rescue operations and collaborating with all major agencies and tunnel experts. He also allowed opposition leaders to visit the project site and share their insights. “In the past, when an incident occurred at the SLBC power generation unit, I was arrested for attempting to visit. Those in power did not visit, nor did they permit opposition visits,” he remarked.
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that 11 agencies, including the Army, Navy's MARCOS, Border Roads Organisation, National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation, Railways, Singareni Collieries, NDRF, SDRF, NGRI, and Geological Survey of India, are working collaboratively under a unified command.
