41 workers trapped: Urgent rescue efforts underway in Uttarakhand Tunnel
In a race against time, rescuers in Uttarakhand continue their relentless efforts to save 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel.
Dehradun: In a race against time, rescuers in Uttarakhand continue their relentless efforts to save 41 workers who have been trapped inside a tunnel for over two weeks. The operation, now spanning 16 days, has presented numerous challenges, leading rescue teams to adapt strategies to ensure the safe extraction of the trapped individuals.
An auger drill machine, designed to create an escape passage, faced a setback as it got stuck in debris after drilling through 46 meters. Despite hopes for a swift resolution, the drill broke down, requiring the deployment of a specialized gas cutter from Hyderabad to remove obstructed parts. Manual drilling efforts, involving skilled professionals, commenced today to pick up where the auger let off.
A team of 11, including specialists and reserves, has been mobilized from Delhi for manual drilling inside an 800 mm pipe. Rat miners, as these professionals are called, will use hand-held tools to clear debris, with a focus on ensuring worker safety during the process. The manual drilling, starting today, follows the completion of tasks by the plasma cutter to cool down the pipe.
Facing hurdles in horizontal drilling, rescue teams initiated a vertical drilling plan involving a 300-meter horizontal drill followed by a vertical descent of 86 meters. Progressing smoothly, this method aims to reach the trapped workers while minimizing the risk of injury during extraction. Completion of drilling work is anticipated by November 30.
Additional strategies involve drilling from the other end of the tunnel in Barkot, a method expected to take time. Four blasts have been conducted, covering only 10 meters so far. A plan to construct a perpendicular mini tunnel, 180 meters long, is also in motion, with work slated to begin tomorrow and take 10 to 15 days.
As the rescue operation unfolds, concerns arise about the mental and physical well-being of the trapped workers. While essential supplies are reaching them through a pipe, their mental state remains a worry. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is providing a landline connection for workers to communicate with their families. Mobile phones, video games, and board games are also sent through the pipe to alleviate the stress of the prolonged wait.
Weather conditions, with light rain and temperatures dropping to 4 degrees Celsius, may complicate rescue efforts. However, Mahmood Ahmad, managing director of NHIDCL, assures that rescue workers are trained to handle all situations.
