Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: In a race against time, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel entered the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi on Wednesday, intensifying efforts to rescue 41 workers trapped inside.The mission unfolds with meticulous planning, and around 30 ambulances have been strategically stationed at the site, poised to provide emergency services as the situation unfolds.Ambulance Preparedness: Oxygen and Vital SupportBisan Singh Panwar, Ambulance Technical Staff, stated, We have oxygen cylinders available in the ambulances. Once workers come out, their vital organs will be checked. A total of 30 ambulances have been arranged so far. Out of 30 ambulances, there are 8 advanced life support ambulances and 22 BLS ambulances. It has been instructed to us that remain alert as rescue operation might be completed by night.Optimism Amidst Challenges: Next Phase to CommenceFormer advisor to the Prime Ministers Office and Special Executive Officer in the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, Bhaskar Khulbe, shared an optimistic update, I am very happy to tell you that with the work we were doing for the last 1 hour, we have drilled another 6-meter length with an American Oger machine. I am hopeful that in the next 2 hours, work will start for the next phase.ONGCs Global Mobilization: Machinery en route from USA, Mumbai, and GhaziabadThe government disclosed that ONGC is mobilising machinery globally, with shipments en route from the USA, Mumbai, and Ghaziabad, specifically for vertical boring. This collaborative effort involves multiple agencies—ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL—each assigned specific responsibilities, working synergistically to navigate the complex rescue operation.Recap of the Incident: A Tunnel Collapse and the Race Against TimeThe calamity unfolded on November 12, 2023, when a collapse occurred in the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot. Debris falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side led to the entrapment of 41 workers. The area of entrapment, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometres in length, is a built-up portion of the tunnel, providing safety to the labourers with electricity and water supply.The Uttarkashi rescue mission is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, driven by a shared commitment to bring the trapped workers to safety. Stay tuned for updates as the rescue operation unfolds in Uttarkashi.(With ANI Inputs)
