In a recent update on the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed that unexpected obstacles have prolonged the 14-day effort. The high-duty auger machine, deployed for drilling on November 16 after the tunnel collapse, faced repeated setbacks, halting progress. The machine, vital for placing pipes to aid in the workers’ rescue, encounters stoppages when obstructed by metal in its path.
Chief Minister Dhami, addressing the media, shared insights into the current status. The auger machine, which had been facing challenges throughout the operation, is anticipated to be extracted by tomorrow morning. Following this, manual digging will commence as part of the rescue strategy. Remarkably, Chief Minister Dhami spoke with the trapped workers, who conveyed reassurance about their well-being and urged him not to rush the rescue process.
A noteworthy setback occurred when the auger machine, a US-made apparatus, experienced difficulties due to metal obstructions during its drilling through debris. Each time an obstacle arose, the machine had to be extracted from the tunnel, causing delays in the rescue operation.
Efforts to resolve the latest hurdle involve transporting a plasma cutter from Hyderabad to cut the stuck auger machine. The rescuers, having anticipated entering the final phase of the mission earlier this week, now face the challenge of overcoming unexpected hindrances. Despite the hurdles, the morale of the trapped construction workers remains high, as they assured Chief Minister Dhami of their well-being.
As the auger machine is temporarily out of commission, rescue experts are exploring alternative strategies, such as manual drilling, to create a vertical escape passage. While agencies have a post-rescue plan in place, the actual extraction of the trapped workers is pending, awaiting the successful resolution of the auger machine complications. The situation remains dynamic, emphasizing the complexity and challenges inherent in this critical rescue mission.
