Saturday, 25 November 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The operation to rescue the 41 workers stranded in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi since November 12 has been hitting obstacles in its final stage. The authorities have so far drilled 48 metres through the debris. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited the tunnel on Friday and inspected the rescue efforts and the situation on the ground.
The Road Transport and Highways additional secretary and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) managing director Mahmood Ahmed informed that the auger machine had drilled a total of 46.8 metres. While proceeding further, bits of metal got stuck in the machine due to which the drilling had to be stopped. Workers then crawled through the metal pipe and cut the metal pieces hampering the drilling. The drilling machine was started again on Thursday and an additional 1.2 metres was drilled. The rescuers have drilled through a total of 48 metres so far, he said. Ahmed informed that the metal pieces had also damaged the edge of the pipe being used to make an escape tunnel for the stranded workers. Following this, the workers cut a 1.2 metre stretch of the pipe and removed it. So far, the rescuers have been able to push 46.8 metres of pipe through the debris. The drilling operation further will be started will full caution, he added.
Meanwhile, CM Dhami also visited the Silkyara tunnel on Friday and inspected the rescue operation. He directed the officials concerned to ensure that the last phase of the rescue mission is undertaken at a swift pace while observing all necessary caution. He said that this is a very challenging and risky rescue mission. Saving the lives of the 41 workers stuck in the tunnel is a collective responsibility, he said. Those involved in the rescue operation will have to work day and night with all their skills, capacity and care to make the mission successful. There will not be any dearth of resources in this rescue operation, he added. Union minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, VK Singh, MP Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Road Transport and Highways secretary Anurag Jain and other officials of the State were also present on the occasion.
