Uttarkashi tunnel collapse Day 9: Rescuers achieve breakthrough as first hot meal sent for trapped workers
Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: On the ninth day of rescue operations at the Silkyara tunnel collapse site in Uttarkashi, rescuers made a 'breakthrough' on Monday by pushing a six-inch-wide pipeline through the rubble of the collapsed portion, where 41 labourers are trapped.
For the first time since they were trapped, hot Khichdi was delivered to the stranded workers via this 6-inch alternative lifeline.
On November 12, it was reported that a muck falling in the tunnel's 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of tunnel caused a collapse, trapping 41 workers. According to the government, the workers are trapped in the 2 km-long tunnel portion, which is complete, including concrete work that ensures the workers' safety.
Electricity and water are available in the tunnel section, and workers are provided with food and medicines via a 4-inch compressor pipeline.
Following today's breakthrough, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will resume horizontal boring from the Silkyara end for worker rescue using the Augur boring machine.
Earlier in the day, Colonel Deepak Patil, in charge of the rescue operation, stated that while the 'main challenge' is evacuating trapped men through 900 mm pipe, which will be attempted later, food, mobile phones, and chargers will be sent inside the tunnel via the 6-inch lifeline.
He stated that a list of available food options has been prepared with the assistance of doctors, taking into account the condition of the trapped workers.
"We are bringing plastic cylindrical bottles with wide mouths so that we can send bananas, apples, Khichdi, and Daliya," he went on to say.
- ANI
