The under-construction stretch in the tunnel of Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project where a section of roof collapsed, in Nagarkurnool district, Saturday, Feb 22, 2025. (PTI Photo)Camera-mounted drones capable of flying in tight spaces, sonar, and portable camera robots are among the devices deployed at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Mallu Vikramarka told The Indian Express Tuesday as he promised that the state government would not give up until the eight men trapped inside are found.On Saturday morning, a portion of the tunnel collapsed, trapping the eight men inside.While rescuers have managed to cover a large part of the tunnel — 13.79 km of the 13.85 km — the last part has been challenging because of a mix of water and slush at the collapse site.Vikramarka, who visited the spot on Tuesday, said, “We will not spare any effort to locate the eight persons. No stone will be left unturned, and we will not rest until we find them… (We will do) whatever it takes, and for how many ever days it takes.”He said that in addition to the numerous experts from across the country already at the site, the government is in touch with “international experts who have experience in this kind of situation”.Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said Tuesday evening that 11 national and state agencies are now engaged in the operation. These include the Army, Navy, Marcos Commandos, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, MORPH, Singareni, HYDRAA, Geological Survey of India, Navayuga and L&T tunnel experts, and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).“We have thoroughly studied similar incidents from the past and learned valuable lessons to ensure that we execute this rescue with the highest level of expertise and precision,” the minister said.Story continues below this adOn the difficulties in the rescue mission, Reddy said, “The increasing water flow inside the tunnel, silt accumulation, and heavy debris are creating major obstacles for the rescue teams. Despite these challenges, our personnel are displaying extraordinary dedication, working continuously without rest. We are deploying high-powered pumps to remove the floodwater, but the conditions remain extremely difficult.”The rescue teams, which started clearing the locomotive track inside the tunnel with the aim of using it to transport equipment for further rescue operations, cleared at least two kilometres of the track and are two more kilometres away from the spot where a portion of the tunnel collapsed.© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Hyderabad