Rescue operation in the tunnel of Uttarakhand stopped after snag in machine

The rescue operation being conducted to save 41 laborers trapped in the tunnel of Uttarkashi is in its final stages. However, the operation was stopped on Friday evening due to the machine breaking down during drilling. The rescue team is now also considering a new strategy to take out the workers.

The officials engaged in the rescue operation to save 41 laborers trapped in the tunnel said that only 10-12 meters of drilling was left before reaching the trapped workers, which confirmed that the radar did not see any obstacle for the next 5 meters.

They (the team of ground penetrating experts) cannot say it with 100% accuracy, but what they are expecting is that there are no continuous metal objects like girders, pipes and metal plates in the next 5.4 metres. They pointed to some other obstacles.

An official engaged in the rescue operation said that hand drilling is being considered to rescue 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel after a part of it collapsed.

As the machine advances during drilling, six-meter sections of steel pipe are welded together and pushed into the narrow tunnel passage. Once the steel chute is in place, rescuers will use wheeled stretchers to pull the workers to safety through the newly constructed tunnel.

Before the rescue work was halted, a 46.8 meter section of 800 mm wide steel pipe was inserted into the drilled passage in an estimated 60 meter long section of the tunnel. The six-inch-wide tube is a vital artery connecting the stranded workers to the outside world and their lifeline for food and other essentials.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a mock drill at the site. An NDRF jawan carefully maneuvered a wheeled stretcher tied to a rope into the narrow pipe. The jawan confirmed that there was enough space in the pipe and there was no problem in breathing.

41 ambulances have been kept on standby at the entrance of the tunnel, ready to take the workers to Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre. A temporary ward with 41 oxygen-equipped beds has also been set up, ready to provide prompt medical care to each employee. Officials said the workers are mentally stable and physically healthy despite being stranded for almost two weeks.