Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Snag set right, drilling to resume at Silkyara tunnel
Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Snag set right, drilling to resume at Silkyara tunnel
Rescue efforts to create an escape route for the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel, after a halt due to technical issues, are set to resume on Friday morning. Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that the process of drilling through the rubble using an auger is expected to recommence around 11:30 am. If all goes well, the operation may be successfully completed by the evening.
The rescue operation faced a setback recently when a snag disrupted the drilling process. The team of rescue workers, along with authorities, has been working tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.
The Silkyara tunnel, part of the all-weather Char Dham project in Uttarakhand, was hit by a sudden influx of water, trapping the workers inside. This incident highlights the challenges associated with infrastructure projects in hilly terrains, emphasizing the importance of robust safety measures and prompt response systems.
The tunnel, situated at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, is critical for providing all-season connectivity to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Efforts are being made to expedite the rescue operation and secure the release of the workers, taking into account the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety protocols and emergency preparedness required for infrastructure projects, especially in geographically challenging areas. The coordination between rescue teams, authorities, and technical experts remains crucial in ensuring the success of the ongoing rescue efforts. As the nation awaits updates on the situation, the focus remains on the collaborative efforts to bring about a safe and swift resolution to this challenging rescue mission.
According to Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, ground-penetrating radar data indicates that there is no metallic obstruction up to five meters beyond the 46-meter point through the rubble in the Silkyara tunnel. The drilling machine’s platform has undergone reinforcement and strengthening through shotcreting overnight.
Khulbe informed reporters at Silkyara that the team has approximately 12-14 meters more to drill, and if the operation progresses smoothly, they hope to conclude the rescue operation by Friday evening. The efforts are being carefully coordinated to navigate the challenging conditions and ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers in the tunnel.
The use of advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar aids in assessing the conditions within the rubble and guides the rescue operation. The continuous reinforcement of the drilling machine’s platform reflects the commitment to overcoming technical challenges in the rescue mission.
The successful completion of the drilling operation would mark a significant step forward in the rescue efforts, providing a crucial escape route for the workers trapped inside the tunnel. As the operation progresses, the focus remains on precision, safety, and effective collaboration to navigate the complexities of the challenging terrain. The nation anxiously awaits updates on the evolving situation and the successful resolution of this rescue mission.
The 41 workers have been trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel for the past 12 days, following the collapse of a portion of the under-construction tunnel on the Uttarakhand Char Dham route on November 12. The ongoing rescue operation involves drilling through the rubble to create an escape route for the trapped workers.
According to Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, a challenge emerged during the drilling operation on Thursday. A portion of an inserted pipe had to be cut off as it got compressed due to friction when the auger encountered an obstruction, exerting more pressure.
To address this, the crushed part of the pipe has been cut off, which has reduced the length of penetration up to 48 meters achieved through the rubble to 46 meters. Despite this setback, Khulbe expressed optimism that the drilling operation would resume by 11:30 am on Friday, with the goal of completing the operation by the evening if everything proceeds as planned.
The use of ground-penetrating radar and continuous reinforcement of the drilling machine’s platform demonstrates the meticulous approach to overcoming technical challenges in the rescue mission. As the operation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and successful evacuation of the trapped workers in challenging conditions. The nation awaits updates on the ongoing efforts, hoping for a positive outcome in the coming hours.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Gen VK Singh, who visited Silkyara on Thursday, are still in Uttarkashi. Dhami spent the night at a guest house in Matli, while Gen Singh stayed at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi.
On Thursday, the drilling through the rubble was temporarily halted once again, this time due to cracks appearing in the platform on which the drilling machine rests. The setback occurred after the operation resumed earlier in the day, following a six-hour delay to cut through an iron girder that obstructed the auger machine late Wednesday night.
This marks the third time that the drilling exercise has had to be stopped since the multi-agency rescue mission began. Despite these challenges, the authorities remain focused on addressing technical issues and resuming the operation to create an escape route for the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel for the past 12 days. The continuous efforts and coordination among rescue teams aim to ensure a safe and successful evacuation of the trapped workers.
