After over three days of being trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand, 40 labourers are receiving a ray of hope. Three special aircraft of the Indian Air Force are transporting a 25-tonne rescue machine to aid in the rescue efforts. The machine, which is being brought from Delhi, has the capability to penetrate 4-5 meters of debris in an hour. If all goes well, it will help push a rescue pipe to the spot where the labourers are trapped in 10-12 hours.
In addition to the Indian rescue teams, special teams from Thailand and Norway have been brought in to assist in the rescue operation. Among them is the team that successfully saved a group of children trapped in a cave in Thailand in 2018. The expertise of this team, which had previously worked with a company from Thailand, will be invaluable in the current rescue mission.
The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute is also providing suggestions on how to carry out operations inside the tunnel. Experts from the Indian Railways and affiliated bodies are also offering their expertise. The aim is to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped labourers as quickly as possible.
The labourers, who have been trapped since the tunnel collapsed on Sunday morning, are reported to be in good condition and are being provided with food. Officials are in constant contact with them to keep their morale up.
The rescue machine is expected to arrive at the site in the evening, and work will begin a few hours after its installation. However, officials have emphasized that there is a backup plan in place in case the machine does not work.
Meanwhile, some family members and fellow labourers held a protest near the site due to the delay in the rescue operation. However, after speaking with the protesters, officials have stated that they have understood the situation and are now willing to assist in the rescue efforts.
The tunnel, which is part of the Char Dham project, collapsed on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway. The 4.5-kilometer tunnel is meant to join Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped labourers, and all efforts are being made to expedite the operation.
