In a crucial update on the Uttarkashi Tunnel collapse, the rescue operation is gaining momentum. The auger machine, which faced a setback after blades got stuck in the rubble at the Silkyara tunnel, has now had its blades removed. The focus has shifted to extracting a damaged 1.5-meter pipe, marking progress after the machine’s breakdown.
With 41 laborers stranded for over 15 days, the situation remains critical. Following the machinery challenges, rescuers are now set to manually dig through the remaining debris to reach those trapped inside, according to officials closely involved in the operation.
A positive development comes as at least six rat hole miners from Delhi and Jhansi join the rescue mission. These skilled individuals specialize in entering small tunnels, enhancing the chances of reaching the stranded workers effectively.
In parallel efforts, vertical drilling on the partially-collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel has covered approximately 31 meters on its second day. The goal is to reach a depth of 86 meters to access the trapped workers. This alternative approach was initiated after the auger machine’s breakdown, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the rescue team.
The intricate process involves carefully navigating challenges, such as removing the damaged pipe and overcoming setbacks, underscoring the complexity of the mission. As the nation watches and hopes for a successful rescue, the combined efforts of manual labor and technical solutions are underway to bring relief to those awaiting assistance deep within the collapsed tunnel.
