Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: With Tweaked Rescue Strategy For Trapped Workers, Officials Expect 'Good News' Soon

With the rescuers currently focusing on the 'horizontal drilling' method to evacuate the 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi, the officials are confident that there could be some 'good news' within the next 40 hours.

A section of the 4.5-kilometre tunnel along the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed on 12 November, trapping 41 workers. This tunnel is part of the Char Dham project and is being built to connect Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi.

Mahmood Ahmed, the additional secretary technical for Road and Transport, shared details about the modified drilling technique. Instead of using 900 mm-diameter pipes, the new approach involves using 800 mm-diameter pipes with the telescoping method.

This adjustment is intended to improve the efficiency of navigating the difficult conditions in the tunnel.

During a press briefing, Ahmed provided an update on the ongoing horizontal drilling operations from both the Silkyara and Barkot sides.

He expressed optimism, stating, "If everything goes right, we will come up with some 'good news' in the next 40 hours", reports Zee News.

A major breakthrough occurred on Tuesday when the first images of the trapped workers were revealed.

Using an endoscopic camera inserted into a newly installed six-inch wide pipeline, the footage showed the workers wearing yellow and white helmets. It provided a glimpse into their conditions as they were seen receiving food items and communicating with each other.

The installation of the new pipeline has brought a sense of encouragement to the trapped workers and their worried family members.

With enhanced communication, coordination becomes more efficient, and a greater amount of food, such as oranges, dalia, khichdi, sliced apples, and bananas, can now be transported through the vital lifeline.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conducted a review of the ongoing rescue operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the government's commitment to the rescue mission. In a conversation with Chief Minister Dhami, he emphasised that the safe rescue of all workers remains a top priority.

Meanwhile, authorities are also considering vertical drilling as a secondary option due to the challenges posed by the rock formation, despite the focus being on horizontal drilling. Mahmood Ahmed suggests that using 800-mm pipes will help to ensure a smoother process.

A doctor communicating with the trapped workers through the new pipeline has reported various complaints, including a burning sensation during urination.

To address their health concerns, electrolyte powder packets, multivitamin tablets, and anti-depressants are being sent.

Vinita Shah, the Uttarakhand Director General of Health, is overseeing preparations for the workers' evacuation to different hospitals in the district.