UTTARKASHI: In a big improvement within the ongoing rescue operation at Uttarkashi’s tunnel, officers from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) on Monday mentioned that vertical drilling has reached a depth of 19.2 meters on the 18th day of the continuing rescue operations. The Silkyara tunnel collapse on November 12 left 41 staff trapped, prompting pressing efforts to free them.
Fast-Paced Rescue Operation
Addressing a press convention, NHIDCL Managing Director Mahmood Ahmad revealed that the drilling, an important a part of the rescue technique, is progressing quickly. “We have completed around 19.2 meters of drilling. We have to drill around 86 meters within four days by November 30,” mentioned Ahmad. He expressed optimism that the work could be accomplished on time, barring any unexpected obstacles.
#BreakingNews | उत्तरकाशी में रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन का 16 वां दिन, पहाड़ की चोटी से वर्टिकल ड्रिलिंग जारी #UttarkashiRescue #SilkyaraTunnel #Uttarakhand | @anchorjiya pic.twitter.com/HBY6A6vTNq
— Zee News (@ZeeNews) November 27, 2023
Auger Machine Removal Accelerates
Neeraj Khairwal, the Secretary of the Uttarakhand Government and the nodal officer within the rescue operation, highlighted the accelerated tempo of labor to take away the caught auger machine from the tunnel. With the introduction of superior equipment, the operation is advancing easily, with no reported hurdles. Khairwal emphasised a constructive trajectory within the rescue efforts.
Panel Formed to Explore Escape Passage
Amidst the continuing drilling, NHIDCL MD Mahmood Ahmad acknowledged the consideration of an escape passage. He revealed the formation of a committee to discover this selection, emphasizing that the speedy precedence is the protected extraction of the trapped staff.
Pipeline Drilling In Progress
Officials reported the completion of an 8-inch pipeline drilling for 70-80 meters, briefly halted, whereas a 1.2-meter diameter pipeline drilling reached 20 meters.
Devotees Light Lamps For Trapped Workers
Ahead of ‘Dev Deepawali,’ devotees gathered at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar to gentle 21,000 lamps, providing prayers for the trapped staff within the Silkyara Tunnel.
#WATCH | Ahead of ‘Dev Deepawali’, devotees lit 21,000 lamps at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar and prayed for the folks trapped within the Silkyara Tunnel. (26.11) pic.twitter.com/ipolaIJyiI
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2023
All Workers Safe And Stable
Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) supplied updates on the drilling progress. Plan 2, involving vertical drilling, is underway, with 17 meters already accomplished. Plan 3, sideways drilling, is but to be carried out. Lt General Hasnain assured that each one staff are in steady and protected situations. Medical and psycho-social help is being supplied, and drone cameras monitor the rescue operation.
Union Minister VK Singh Visits Site
Union Minister General VK Singh visited the Silkyara tunnel website to supervise the continuing rescue operation, the place a unit of Madras Sappers has been deployed for handbook drilling.
Manual Drilling, Rat Boring Being Considered
To expedite the rescue, the Indian Army, together with civilians, is contemplating handbook drilling strategies, together with rat boring. This entails utilizing palms, hammers, and chisels to clear particles contained in the tunnel.
Supplies And Communication Inside Tunnel
Freshly cooked meals, fruits, medicines, and communication instruments are being supplied to the trapped staff by means of a lifeline, guaranteeing their well-being through the operation. THDC has initiated the development of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot finish, aiming to create an alternate route for the rescue operation. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) and different businesses are actively concerned in infrastructure improvement to help the rescue efforts.
The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12, trapping 41 staff inside. Since then, numerous businesses, together with THDC, BRO, and ONGC, have collaborated to expedite the rescue operation. The scenario is being intently monitored, and the collaborative efforts goal to make sure the protected and swift extraction of the trapped staff.