Silkyara rescue operation hits snag, efforts continue to reach stranded workers

Sunday, 26 November 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN

The operation to rescue 41 workers stuck in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi since November 12 has been temporarily hampered due to the Auger drilling machine breaking down after covering a distance of about 47 metres through the debris. A plasma cutter is being airlifted from Hyderabad and is expected to reach the site late on Saturday to boost efforts to cut and remove the machine from the escape channel built to reach the stranded workers. At the same time, the rescuers are also considering the options of manual drilling and vertical drilling.

Bits of steel girder and other obstacles stuck in the debris hampered drilling with the Auger machine on Friday night. The obstacles were manually cut and removed. However, the rotor of the machine was damaged when drilling was resumed. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the machine which is stuck in the metal pipe will be cut and removed soon. The plasma cutter being transported from Hyderabad is expected to expedite the task of cutting the machine. The rescue operation is challenging but the Central and State governments are working in coordination to rescue the stranded workers, he said.

Meanwhile, officials said that the options of vertical drilling and using manual drilling through the debris are also being considered. A distance of 86 metres will have to be covered through vertical drilling to reach the workers. National Disaster Management Authority member SA Hasnain said that all the options are being worked upon and that the rescue operation may take some time.

Officials have stated that the stranded workers are being provided with all necessary medicines in addition to food and drinking water. The authorities are also focusing on maintaining the morale of the workers who have been stranded in the partially caved-in tunnel for 14 days. The relatives of the stranded workers who reached Silkyara to learn about the situation have been provided accommodation and are also being taken care of by the government, officials said.