Uttarkashi: In a significant development, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has entered the Silkyara tunnel to rescue 41 laborers trapped for over 10 days. A 41-bed hospital has been set up at the Community Health Center in Chinyalisaur to provide immediate care to the rescued workers.
Efforts to rescue the trapped workers are ongoing, with drilling operations utilizing an American auger machine. A six-meter portion of the vertical pipe has been successfully laid, bringing the total length of the pipe to 45 meters out of the estimated 57 meters of debris.
The rescue team remains optimistic, aiming to complete the operation late Wednesday night or Thursday morning. A total of 15 doctors are on-site, with an additional eight-bed hospital established in the control room for immediate medical attention. Furthermore, 30 ambulances equipped with modern facilities are on standby outside the tunnel, ready to transport workers to the hospital.
In a proactive measure, a helicopter is also on alert, prepared for potential airlifting if required. The rescue operation gained momentum after the resumption of drilling, and officials are hopeful for positive developments in the coming hours.
The Hemant Soren government has announced plans to airlift 15 workers from Jharkhand who are trapped in the tunnel. An 800 mm diameter pipe is being used to create a path for the trapped workers, with drilling reaching a depth of 45 meters into the debris. An additional 10-15 meters of debris remains to be drilled.
The Silkyara tunnel, a part of the Chardham Yatra route in Uttarkashi district, collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers. The successful insertion of a six-inch pipeline has facilitated the delivery of essential supplies, and communication with the trapped workers has been established through walkie-talkies and an ‘endoscopic flexi’ camera.
CCTV footage surfaced, providing a glimpse into the condition of the workers, reassuring authorities and the public that they are safe. The rescue operation continues with determination and urgency.
