CM Seeks Central Government’s Help for SLBC Tunnel Rescue Operations
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to seek help from the Central Government to speed up rescue operations in the SLBC tunnel. He discussed with officials the difficulties in recovering the bodies of seven workers trapped inside the tunnel.
During a high-level meeting on Monday, top officials explained that poor air and light conditions were causing delays in the rescue efforts. The accident occurred 14 kilometers inside the tunnel, making the situation more challenging. A 30-meter section of the accident site has been identified as the most dangerous area. Officials also stated that all rescue efforts must follow scientific studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).
State Special Chief Secretary for Disaster Management, Arvind Kumar, and Colonel Parikshit Mehra updated the Chief Minister on the progress of the rescue operations. They informed him that 25 agencies, including teams from both the Central and State governments as well as private organizations, are working on the rescue. A total of 700 personnel have been deployed to assist in the operations.
After reviewing the situation, the Chief Minister instructed officials to prioritize locating the trapped workers. He also directed them to obtain all necessary permissions from the Union Government to carry out emergency work inside the tunnel.
The SLBC tunnel accident occurred on February 22, trapping eight workers inside. On March 9, the body of one of the workers, Gurpreet Singh, was recovered. The Chief Minister emphasized that rescue operations must continue to locate the remaining workers, following all possible alternatives and the recommendations of the Expert Committee.
