Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: How 'American' machine will help rescue 40 trapped workers? Read Details
PTC Web Desk: Rescue efforts continue on Day 5 to evacuate 40 construction workers trapped beneath debris in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. These workers have endured over 96 hours confined within the tunnel, their lives hanging in the balance since the collapse on November 12. Essential supplies of food and medicines are being provided to the trapped workers, with rescue teams maintaining regular communication to uplift spirits and sustain hope.
International elite rescue teams from Thailand and Norway, including the renowned unit that successfully rescued trapped children from a Thai cave in 2018, are collaborating to assist in this ongoing operation.
A crucial turning point occurred with the arrival of an 'American auger' machine from New Delhi, intended to expedite the clearing process within the tunnel. The disassembled machine reached Chinyalisaur airport, around 30 km away from the collapsed tunnel, and its deployment is anticipated to carve a passage through the debris.
The plan involves using this specialised equipment to create a path. Once cleared, segments of mild steel pipes (800-mm and 900-mm diameters) will be installed, allowing the trapped workers to crawl to safety.
On Wednesday, the rescue operations faced setbacks due to a fresh landslide after over 70 hours of relentless efforts. The construction of a platform for the 'American auger' was underway but had to be halted due to the landslide, requiring the machine to be disassembled and the platform construction to restart.
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Dr Sudhir Krishna, a former Secretary at the Union Urban Development Ministry, highlighted the complexities of constructing infrastructure in the Himalayan region. He emphasised the challenges posed by the soft rocks prevalent in the area, along with concerns of landslides and land subsidence that complicate the rescue efforts.
Dr Krishna stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the state government, central authorities, and experts to address these challenges. He questioned the urgency of the project, emphasising the need for a comprehensive vision considering the risks involved in such mountainous terrains.
The tunnel under construction is part of the ambitious Char Dham project, aimed at enhancing connectivity to significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in the region — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
- With inputs from agencies
