Uttarakhand Rescue Saga: Drilling Woes Persist Just Metres Away
In a frustrating turn of events, Uttarakhand's rescue operations hit another snag, leaving 41 trapped workers in the collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi's district still awaiting salvation. The drilling, which had just resumed on Friday, came to a halt as the auger encountered an unexpected metallic object, causing a setback in the already challenging rescue mission.
The complexity of the rescue mission was highlighted in an earlier press conference when officials revealed that a mere 10-12 meters of drilling stood between the rescue team and the trapped construction workers. Ground-penetrating radar had given no indication of significant metallic obstacles in the immediate five-meter radius. However, fate had other plans.
In response to the setback, a new drilling machine was deployed to bore through the tunnel's top and reach the 41 workers entangled beneath the collapsed structure. The process involves welding six-meter sections of steel pipe, gradually pushing them into the confined tunnel passage. Once in place, rescuers will employ wheeled stretchers to safely evacuate the workers through the newly created tunnel, a lifeline of hope.
The withdrawal of the drill bit through the passage carved by the machine was a disheartening sight on Friday evening. Two setbacks in just two days dealt a blow to the anxious relatives who had been camped outside the tunnel, awaiting news of their loved ones.
Before the operation pause, 46.8 meters of the 800-millimeter-wide steel pipe had found its place in the drilled passageway. This vital artery, a six-inch-wide tube, extending 57 meters, connects the trapped workers to the outside world, providing essential supplies and hope.
Assuring swift action, Garhwal Range Inspector General KS Nagnyal stated that arrangements were in place for transporting the rescued workers to medical centers via a secure police escort and a dedicated "green corridor."
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a mock drill at the site, ensuring the narrow escape passage's navigability. An NDRF jawan, tethered to a rope and maneuvering a wheeled stretcher, confirmed ample space for movement, alleviating concerns about breathing issues.
With 41 ambulances on standby and a designated ward boasting 41 oxygen-equipped beds, medical care is ready at the Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre. Officials report that despite being trapped for almost two weeks, the workers are mentally stable and physically fit, showcasing remarkable resilience.
"They are adequately clothed, and when we speak to them, they express the determination to walk out on their own. That's the kind of mental strength they have," said an official, emphasizing the unwavering spirit of those awaiting rescue.
Situated about 30 km from Uttarkashi and a seven-hour drive from Dehradun, the Silkyara tunnel holds significance as part of the central government's Char Dham all-weather road project. The ongoing saga underscores the unpredictability and challenges that characterize such rescue missions, where every drill brings both progress and setbacks.
