New Delhi: When a stretch of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel collapsed on November 12, 2023, trapping 41 employees inside, it appeared like a hopeless scenario. The tunnel, a part of the Char Dham highway challenge in Uttarakhand, was buried beneath tons of particles and dirt, with no signal of life from the employees. The rescue operation, involving a number of businesses and machines, confronted a number of challenges and setbacks, because the tunnel proved to be unstable and unpredictable.
But there was one man who by no means gave up hope and labored tirelessly to discover a option to attain the trapped employees. He was Arnold Dix, an Australian barrister, scientist, and professor of engineering, who can also be the president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA). The overseas professional Arnold Dix additionally carried out worship and bowed his head at a brief temple of Baba Bokhanag constructed close to the mouth of the tunnel.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | International Tunneling Expert, Arnold Dix joins a priest in praying for the protected evacuation of 41 employees trapped contained in the Silkyara tunnel. pic.twitter.com/8DZH95SN8x
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023
Dix is a world-renowned professional on tunnel security and catastrophe investigations, who has been concerned in a number of high-profile initiatives and circumstances, such because the Channel Tunnel, the Sydney Metro, and the 2010 Chilean mine rescue.
Dix Provided Technical Solutions In Tunnel Rescue
Dix was roped in by the Indian authorities to help within the rescue operation, and he arrived on the positioning on November 20. He inspected the tunnel, coordinated with the assorted businesses, and urged technical options to beat the difficulties of drilling by way of the rubble. He additionally offered ethical assist and encouragement to the rescuers and the households of the employees, assuring them that they might be saved by Christmas.
Dix’s efforts paid off on November 28, when all of the 41 employees had been efficiently evacuated from the tunnel, after 17 days of being trapped. Dix expressed his reduction and gratitude on the temple outdoors the tunnel, the place he had prayed for the employees’ security. He additionally praised the resilience and cooperation of the Indian authorities and the area people, who had labored collectively to make the rescue attainable.
Dix’s Illustrious Career
Dix’s profession is marked by quite a few accolades, reflecting his vital contributions to tunnel security worldwide. He has obtained awards from the Australasian Tunnelling Society, the National Fire Protection Association of the USA, and the International Association for Fire Safety Science. He has additionally based the Underground Works Chambers, a platform to supply a safer contractual house for underground works.
Dix will not be solely a tunnelling professional, but in addition a humanitarian, who believes in utilizing his expertise and data to save lots of lives and enhance infrastructure. He has mentioned that he’s motivated by the “human element” of his work, and that he feels a “deep connection” with the folks he helps. He has additionally mentioned that he’s impressed by India’s tradition and spirituality, and that he considers India as his second house.
Dix’s position within the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue has earned him admiration and appreciation from each India and Australia. He has been hailed as a hero and a pal by the Indian media and the general public, who’ve thanked him for his selfless service.
He has additionally been lauded by the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who mentioned that Dix had proven that Australia is “not just fantastic in cricket, but also in tunnelling”. Dix has modestly mentioned that he was simply doing his job, and that he was glad to be of assist.
