ADVERTISEMENT
Rescue operations continue at collapsed Uttarakhand tunnel
According to the most recent reports on the rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force has set up direct line communication and video communication with the workers.
File photo /
The state and central governments are actively involved in ongoing rescue operations at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, where 41 workers remain trapped since November 12. The focus of the rescue efforts is the 2 km section of the tunnel, where completed concrete work and water and electricity supply ensure the safety of the workers.
Five agencies—Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL)—have been assigned specific responsibilities, working collaboratively with occasional task adjustments for operational efficiency.
According to the most recent reports on the rescue operations, the National Disaster Response Force has set up direct line communication and video communication with the workers. Freshly cooked food and fresh fruits are being inserted inside the tunnel at regular intervals using A 150 mm diameter pipe.
The rescue operations were set to drill a horizontal hole through the rocks to create an escape route for the trapped individuals to crawl through, but earlier this week, a machine failure greatly hindered their progress. On November 27, three teams started manual drilling at the site, and another pipe was advanced approximately one meter beyond the location where the auger machine had broken down.
Meanwhile, THDC has commenced the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, contributing to the overall rescue efforts. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has achieved the completion of the approach road, facilitating vertical drilling activities conducted by SJVNL and RVNL. Notably, 1050 meters of the approach road have been constructed thus far out of the planned 5000 meters, demonstrating substantial progress in enhancing access to the rescue site.
The under-construction Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel in Uttarkashi is a crucial component of the ambitious Char Dham project, aiming to improve connectivity to the Hindu pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login