A team of “rat-hole miners” has started manual drilling operations to rescue the 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. This marks the 17th day of the rescue operation. Here are 10 key points about this ongoing rescue effort:
1. A team of 24 experienced “rat-hole mining” experts is involved in the manual drilling process. They are working to excavate a narrow passageway towards the trapped workers. This task is time-consuming as it requires removing debris and creating a safe route for the rescue operation. The workers are currently just 5 meters away from the rescue team.
2. Manual drilling operations began at the tunnel yesterday. Initially, a large auger machine was used for drilling, but it got stuck in the rubble on Friday. As a result, authorities had to explore alternative methods, including vertical drilling from above the tunnel. So far, approximately 40% of the required 86-meter vertical drilling has been completed.
3. By Monday evening, the remaining part of the stuck auger was removed. This allowed for the insertion of a steel pipe deeper into the partially constructed escape passage. Once the 25-tonne machine is repaired, it will push a two-and-a-half feet diameter pipe forward as the manual drilling progresses.
4. Concerns about the workers’ ability to navigate through the two-and-a-half feet diameter pipes have been played down by rescue officials. They highlighted the workers’ prior experience working in 2-foot pipes. To ensure their safety, each worker will be equipped with a helmet, a uniform, a mask, and glasses.
5. The vertical drilling operation, according to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, has already reached a depth of 36 meters.
6. The ongoing rescue operations face additional challenges due to a forecast of rain and dropping temperatures, with the temperature expected to reach 4 degrees Celsius.
7. A landline connection has been established for the trapped workers, allowing them to communicate with people outside. This connection is facilitated through a pipe in the 2-kilometer built-up area where the workers are located. Twice a day, from 9 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm, doctors stationed at the tunnel site communicate with the workers.
8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the need for alertness and continuous efforts in the relief and rescue operation. He acknowledged the challenges posed by nature and emphasized the importance of praying for the safe evacuation of the workers.
9. PM Modi’s Principal Secretary PK Mishra visited the tunnel to review the rescue operations. He was accompanied by Chief Secretary Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. Mishra assured the rescue teams of full support from the central government.
10. The Silkyara tunnel is located about 30 km from Uttarkashi and requires a seven-hour drive from Dehradun. It is a crucial part of the central government’s ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project.
The rescue operation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers as soon as possible.
