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PremiumUttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: In Uttarakhand, the Silkyara tunnel collapsed on November 12, trapping around 41 men. A rescue operation for these trapped workers was put on hold on November 19 as the agencies were involved in preparing for the next stage by adopting multiple approaches to reach the men trapped for the past few days. Stay tuned for Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates only at LiveMint.
In order to rescue the 41 trapped men, Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation was going to start 'micro tunneling' on Sunday night on the Char Dham route from the Barkot end of the under-construction tunnel. On November 17, an American-made heavy-duty auger machine encountered a hard obstacle while boring for about 22 metres through the collapsed debris of 60-metre stretch from the Silkyara end. The boring through the debris has for now been halted.
A series of alternative rescue plans to reach the workers trapped inside the under-construction tunnel are being worked upon. According to officials, a road to the top of the hill has been laid to dig a vertical shaft into the tunnel. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said a breakthrough is expected in two and a half days.
The built-up portion of the tunnel is about two kilometres and is 8.5 metres high with availability of water and electricity. So far, a 6-inch wide tube has been pushed 39 metres deep into the rubble that would send food and water to the trapped men once it cuts through completely.
After reviewing the accident site, foreign tunnel expert Arnold Dix said that the the rescue team is doing a lot of work for the safety of trapped workers. He also underlined that enormous amount of work has been done in preparation before the execution of plan.
"I only arrived yesterday but the work I have seen even between yesterday and today is extraordinary... Plan for today is working out the best thing to do to get the men out," Dix said.
However, the tunnel expert abstained from giving a timeline for the rescue opertion and said that the team is trying hard to bring out the trapped men safe and alive.
The Indian Air Force on Monday employed C-17 and C-130 J Super Hercules transport aircraft for the transportation of critical equipment to the site of collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi.
Rescuers on Monday pushed through a six-inch-wide pipeline through the rubble of the collapsed tunnel, a breakthrough that will help them supply larger quantities of food and possibly allow live visuals of the 41 workers trapped inside for eight days.
After more than a week of the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, the trapped labourers might witness a deterioration of their mental health throughout the phase of being stuck inside the collapsed tunnel, according to psychiatrists observing their health during the rescue operation.
"It is difficult to assess the condition of the workers who are trapped inside the tunnel, because they are in such a situation in which death is close to them. It is a very scary situation for those workers," senior psychiatrist Dr Sandeep Vohra told ANI on Friday.
"Because there is darkness in that tunnel as well as lack of oxygen, the government is making every effort to rescue the trapped workers. Oxygen and food, drinks and medicines are being supplied to the workers. So that apart from being physically fit, they also remain mentally calm," Dr Vohra said.
Two robots made by DRDO were sent inside the collapsed tunnel to explore the possibility of any other rescue plan in Uttarkashi. However, the robots are unable to move inside the tunnel because of loose strata and rubble inside the tunnel.
The rescue team can send food, mobile, charger, and other essential items to the workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel, said Colonel Deepak Tiwari after a broader pipe was installed to build connections with the workers on Monday.
Indian Air Force continues to play the lead role in assisting the ongoing rescue operation in Uttarakhand. IAF has employed a C-17 and two C-130 J aircraft for transportation of essential items. The IAF airlifted another 36 tonnes of critical equipment on Monday. IAF HADROps will continue until all the equipment is delivered, said Indian Air Force
The successful installation of a six-inch pipe inside the tunnel filled the trap workers with hope and confidence that their long wait for rescue will end soon.
On his talks with trapped labourers after the six-inch pipe reached the under-construction tunnel, he said, "a relative of Deepak Kumar, who is one of the trapped labourers, talked with them and he told me that there is an atmosphere of happiness among the workers inside the tunnel."
"A six-inch pipe has been laid at the tunnel through which different food items will be sent to trapped workers and it will also facilitate better ventilation there," said NHIDCL director Anshu Manish Khalkho.
In a major breakthrough, the rescue team managed to install a 6-inch wide pipe inside tunnel to ensure better food supply and more aid to the trapped workers.
"When they receive food, they'll feel a bit better psychologically, and we will also try to establish communication with them," says an official after the installation of a 6-inch pipe in the tunnel on Monday.
NHIDCL director, Anshu Manish Khalkho on Monday said that a six-inch pipe has been laid at the tunnel. Moreover, DRDO has sent 2 robots weighing 20 kg and 50 kg inside the tunnel.
The rescue operation to save 41 workers continued for the eighth day on Monday. Amid repeated delays in the rescue work, it is important to keep the workers' morale high, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday.
To what is called as a ‘breakthrough moment’ for the rescue operation, a 6-inch wide pipe was pushed through the rubble of the collapsed tunnel on Monday. The pipe will let the team supply larger quantities of food and other essentials to 41 workers trapped for eight days.
NHIDCL Director Anshu Manish Kalkho called it the "first breakthrough" at the site.
Australian tunnel expert Arnold Dix said that the team's priority is the safety of all the trapped men and to bring them out safely.
"As for how long it takes, everyone here agrees we want the men out safe and the rescue safe as long as it takes," he said.
Foreign tunnel expert Arnold Dix on Monday said that a lot of work has been done at the moment for the speedy rescue of trapped workers.
"I have just been down in the tunnel, enormous amount of work has been done there in preparation, and we are just coming up here at the top of the mountain to consider other options as well," Arnold Dix said.
The progress in the rescue operation is good, the additional lifeline will be ready soon, said Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi on Monday.
"The diameter would be larger than the current one so that more things can be sent through it. The best available machinery and experts have reached here. State government has appointed a senior IAS officer for coordination. The work is going on systematically and we are making good progress," he told ANI.
DRDO has sent 2 robots weighing 20 kg and 50 kg. The robots move on the ground and the land is working like sand, there is still no clarity on whether the robots can move ahead in such situation or not, said NHIDCL director Anshu Manish Khalkho on Monday.
"All machinery is coming, they are mobilised and will be here within a day or two... BRO is constructing roads wherever necessary on this end and the Barkot end. Roads are ready on both sides, now we are waiting for the machinery. The machines are very heavy, they cannot be airlifted," he added.
The ongoing rescue operation of 40 trapped workers has reached to an advanced stage. The construction work of making an approach road will be complete by Monday night or early morning on Tuesday, DM Abhishek Ruhela told ANI.
The Communist Party of India CPI (M) expressed deep concern on Monday over the plight of 41 workers trapped beneath collapsed under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on November 12.
In a statement, the politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expressed its "deep concern and anxiety" at the plight of the 41 workers.
"A week has passed since the incident and so far, the efforts made to rescue them have not met with success," it said.
The Uttarkhand government will be carry the expenses of travel, food, and lodging of relatives of the 41 workers trapped at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district for over a week.
Assuring the families of the trapped workers that they will be rescued soon, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said officials have been asked to stay in touch with the relatives of the trapped workers so that they do not face any inconvenience.
Former Union minister and Vice Chairman of Gandhi Darshan Vijay Goel on Monday carried out a ‘havan’ at Connaught Place's Hanuman temple on Monday for rescue of 41 workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: In order to maintain the morale of the trapped workers Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said psychiatrists have also been roped in.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said Uttarakhand government will bear the travel, food and lodging expenses of relatives of the 41 workers trapped at the Silkyara tunnel.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: DRDO’s Robotics Machine Team arrived at the Silkyara Tunnel site for the rescue of 41trapped workers.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Uttarakhand's leader of opposition said, “We walked a few steps and were stopped by the management. It's been nine days and the situation is getting worse. New strategies are being employed but the seriousness that should have been seen is lacking."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: A temple was built at the main entrance of Silkyara tunnel where locals and relatives of the trapped workers continue to offer prayers with ongoing rescue operations. International Tunnel Expert, Arnold Dix also paid reverence to the Gods at the temple.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: President of International Tunnelling Underground Space Professor, Arnold Dix said, “It is looking good, but we have to decide whether it is actually good or is it a trap. It is looking very positive as we have the best experts in Himalayan geology with me…. we will not let anyone get hurt while doing it. It is like any complex job where we have to look all around, from the top to bottom…. At the moment, it is looking positive. We are all one team and the whole world is with us."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: President of International Tunnelling Underground Space Professor, Arnold Dix said, "We are doing a lot of work at the moment to make sure what we do is safe and the people doing the evacuation are safe. I only arrived here yesterday and the work that I have seen here between today and yesterday is extraordinary. These men (workers) are coming home."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: International Tunnel Expert, Arnold Dix offered prayers at a temple that is situated at the main entrance of the tunnel.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: International Tunnelling Expert, Arnold Dix said, “We are going to get those men out. Great work is being done here. Our whole team is here and we are going to find a solution and get them out. A lot of work is being done here."
He further added, "It is important that not only the men rescued but also the men who are rescuing are safe. The whole world is helping. The team here is fantastic. The plans are looking fantastic. The work is very systematic. The food and the medication are being provided properly."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix called in to examine and survey Silkyara tunnel where 41 labourers are still trapped.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Dr Neeraj Khanna who is the Nodal Secretary said Former advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, Bhaskar Khulbe and Deputy Secretary in PMO Mangesh Ghildiyal gave strict instructions to the rescue team to complete the rescue operation of 41 labourers trapped in Silkyara tunnel ‘as early as possible’.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Former advisor of PMO Bhaskar Khulbe and Deputy Secretary of PMO Mangesh Ghildiyal ordered all the concerned departments to furnish them with final reports by today evening on the progress of rescue operation. The agencies involved include RVNL, Navyug, ONGC, State PWD, BRO and THDC.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari said, "I am no technical expert, in the given circumstances horizontal digging seems the best option. If the auger machine does not encounter any obstacles it might reach the trapped workers in two-and-a-half days."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Disaster Management Secretary, Ranjit Kumar Sinha said, "Mechanical operation in the Himalayan terrain is challenging as its geological strata is not uniform."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Uttarakhand CMO stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami. PM took information about the ongoing relief and rescue operations of the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. PM Modi said that necessary rescue equipment and resources are being provided by the Central Government. The workers will be evacuated safely with mutual coordination between central and state agencies. There is a need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Disaster Management Secretary, Ranjit Kumar Sinha said, "Preparations are underway to restart the auger machine and resume drilling and pipe laying at the tunnel. Apart from one pipe through which food is being supplied to the trapped workers, another large-diameter pipe has also been pushed up to 42 metres to have another lifeline."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Transport and Highways Secretary, Anurag Jain said, "The government of Uttarakhand has appointed Dr Neeraj Khairwal, Secretary, as the Nodal Officer for coordination."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu reached the scene to examine the ongoing rescue and relief operation of 40 trapped workers in Uttarkashi tunnel.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation (THDC) began micro tunnelling work from Barkot last night. Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) will undertake vertical drilling to rescue the trapped labourers for which equipment was mobilised from Gujarat and Odisha through Railways. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) also began initial vertical drilling work from Barkot end.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Road Transport and Highways Secretary, Anurag Jain said, “Five options were decided and five different agencies were detailed to carry out these options. 5 agencies namely Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited(RVNL), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL) have been assigned responsibilities."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: “Fortunately, there is light inside because the electricity is on. There is a pipeline, and so water is available. There is a four-inch pipe that was used for compression. Through it we are sending food from day 1," said Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Multivitamins, antidepressants and dry fruit are being provided to the trapped workers said Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari suggested that another pipe for life support could be pushed through if there is space between the top of the debris and the tunnel roof that could be explored by robots.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said boring horizontally through the debris with the huge auger machine appeared to be the best bet and anticipated a breakthrough in two and a half days. He further added, "Preparations are underway to restart the auger machine and resume drilling and pipe-laying at the tunnel."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse LIVE News Updates: According to officials, a small four-inch wide “compressor pipe" that runs through the debris and is being used to send in food, water, oxygen and medicines.
