Uttarkashi, 22nd November 2023: In a determined push for the safe evacuation of 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel collapse, the Government has intensified its rescue operations plan. The 2 km section of the tunnel, which has completed concrete work to ensure worker safety, is the focal point of rescue efforts.
- Secured Tunnel Section: The secured portion of the tunnel guarantees operational electricity, water supply, and the delivery of provisions, including cooked food and medicines. Video communication has been established, boosting the morale of trapped workers.
- Government Mobilization: Various government agencies are mobilized, each assigned specific tasks for the safe evacuation of workers. National and international tunnel experts are on-site to provide crucial advice on the rescue operation.
Key Updates on Rescue Operations:
- NHIDCL Lifeline Efforts: The second lifeline for food distribution is efficiently supplying roti, subzi, khichdi, daliya, oranges, bananas, medicines, and essentials like clothes. A modified communication system ensures clear communication with those inside.
- Horizontal Boring by NHIDCL: NHIDCL resumes horizontal boring with an Augur machine, inserting 42 meters of pipes to facilitate the rescue. A protective canopy for the drilling machine is under fabrication.
- Vertical Drilling for Rescue by SJVNL: SJVNL’s vertical rescue tunnel construction machine has arrived and been installed.
- Horizontal Drilling from Barkot Side by THDCL: THDC initiates the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, with four blasts completed, resulting in a 9.10-meter drift.
- Perpendicular-Horizontal Drilling by RVNL: Equipment for micro-tunneling required for horizontal drilling has reached the site, with additional backup machines in transit.
- Vertical Drilling Toward Barkot End by ONGC: ONGC mobilizes machinery from the USA, Mumbai, and Ghaziabad for vertical boring.
- Drift Tunnel by Joint Team of THDCL/Army/Coal India and NHIDCL: Work is underway to create a drift inside the tunnel, with a safe channel established from 180 meters to 150 meters. The Army is mobilizing box culverts for this purpose.
- Road Cutting and Supportive Work by BRO: BRO completes the construction of an approach road for vertical drilling by SJVNL and RVNL, also building an approach road for ONGC.
Background:
On 12th November 2023, a collapse occurred in the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot. Immediate mobilization followed to rescue the 41 trapped laborers, and multiple agencies have collaborated to address the challenge. The built-up portion of the tunnel, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometers in length, offers safety to the workers, with available electricity and water supply. More on NewsIP