Youth missing in Tapang quarry, NIT Rourkela robot joins rescue efforts

Bhubaneswar, July 11: A youth who fell into a water body at Tapang stone quarry in Odisha’s Khurda district four days ago remains missing, despite ongoing rescue efforts. On Thursday, a specially designed robot from NIT Rourkela was deployed to aid in the operation. The incident occurred at Bada Saunlia under Tapang police limits, where the youth went missing after falling into the water.

According to reports, four students from a Pahala-based educational institute had visited Tapang Green Lake at Bada Saunlia on Monday for a video shoot. While filming near the lake's edge, one of the youths slipped into the quarry. His friend, Om Prakash Rath, attempted to rescue him but went missing in the process.

Fire service teams, equipped with advanced waterproof cameras and assisted by Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Rapid Action Force personnel, have been tirelessly involved in the rescue operation. Despite their concerted efforts, Om Prakash has not yet been located.

The NIT Rourkela robot, designed for such emergencies, is now actively scanning the 100-foot-deep stone quarry area, meticulously combing through every inch in hopes of locating the missing youth.