Rescue operations at the tunnel site, where 41 workers remain trapped, are intensifying as authorities gear up for vertical drilling, aiming to reach the workers within the next 24 to 36 hours. Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) emphasized caution and the intricacies of the process, anticipating a prolonged endeavor to ensure the workers' safe extraction.
The drilling operation encountered obstacles when the auger machine, used to penetrate the debris, broke down after hitting a suspected metallic obstruction. This setback was confirmed by international tunneling expert Arnold Dix, who highlighted the machine's destruction and the challenges faced in creating an exit passage for the trapped workers.
To expedite the rescue, a large drilling machine has been deployed toward the hilltop above the tunnel, targeting specific points for vertical drilling. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) constructed a 1.5-km access road to facilitate this effort, acknowledging the complexities and limited space atop the tunnel.
The current focus is on stabilizing the drilled structure after completing a 47-meter horizontal drilling and inserting an 800-mm-wide steel pipe. However, the collapsed segment, estimated at 60 meters, poses additional challenges.
Efforts to maintain the workers' stability within the tunnel involve supplying essential items through a six-inch pipe and establishing communication via walkie-talkies. Authorities assure that the workers are stable and receiving necessary supplies while relatives engage in conversations with them.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami remains committed to the rescue operation's urgency, urging trapped workers to communicate any issues. He underscores the nationwide solidarity and joint efforts between the Central and State Governments to ensure a swift and secure evacuation.
The Chief Minister vows full support, emphasizing the relentless use of technology and resources to expedite the rescue. He remains optimistic about a prompt resolution, assuring that all necessary steps will be taken for a successful relief and rescue mission.
