Tunnelling Guru Arnold Dix Saves 41 Workers in Daring Rescue Mission

Tunnelling Expert Shares Details of Successful Rescue Operation in Uttarakhand

Arnold Dix, a tunnelling expert and professor of engineering, explained in an interview with NDTV the key factors that led to the successful rescue of 41 men trapped beneath the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. He emphasized the importance of a cautious and gentle approach to drilling escape holes, taking into account the delicate and still-moving mountainside. The rescue operation, which lasted 17 days, was carried out meticulously and slowly, with the workers digging by hand, 100 mm at a time, in order to avoid disturbing the mountain and triggering further avalanches or disturbances.

Dix also mentioned that he was not surprised to see “rat hole” miners being involved in the rescue operation. Rat hole mining, a banned mining process known for its safety hazards and environmental pollution, played a crucial role in the rescue. According to Dix, the use of large earth drilling machines initially raised concerns about vibrations causing landslides and cave-ins. The drills also faced difficulties due to obstacles such as steel rods from the collapsed tunnel structure.

Throughout the rescue operation, experts debated and weighed the pros and cons of each action. Multiple options were considered to save the trapped men, with satellite data, aerial surveys, and information from within the tunnel being analyzed. The experts aimed to balance the benefits of each plan with the risks to the rescuers, the trapped individuals, and the environment.

Dix highlighted the careful considerations that were made, such as the impact of building a new road to the collapsed structure for vertical drilling. The rescue team was concerned about the environment, groundwater levels, and potential damage to underground supplies. Despite facing criticism for their slow progress, the team remained focused on their mission of saving lives.

The rescue operation concluded with the successful extraction of all 41 trapped workers. Dix expressed his emotions of joy and relief, stating that he never lost hope and always believed they would bring the men home safely. He praised the teamwork and collaboration between Indian experts and those from abroad.

Dix humbly played down his role in the rescue, stating that he was just a small part of a fantastic team. He shared that he received a call from the government on the first day of the incident, and when things didn’t go well, he was asked to join the rescue efforts. He expressed gratitude by visiting a makeshift temple near the tunnel entrance to offer prayers.

The rescue operation in Uttarakhand involved thousands of emergency personnel, central and state agencies, as well as the Army, Air Force, and other paramilitary forces. It is being hailed as India’s largest such rescue.