Rescue efforts are ongoing at the tunnel construction site in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand where 41 workers have been trapped underground for over two weeks after a tunnel collapse on November 12.Mahmood Ahmad, Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) which is overseeing the project, provided an update Sunday stating that crews have drilled 19.2 meters vertically into the mountain toward the tunnel. 86 meters of drilling remains to hopefully reach the tunnel by the target date of November 30.We have completed around 19.2 meters of drilling. We have to drill around 86 meters to be done within four days that is by November 30. Hopefully, there will be no further hurdles and the work will be completed on time, NHIDCL MD Ahmad said in a press conference. Moving towards positive sign Neeraj Khairwal, Uttarakhand government secretary and rescue operation nodal officer, said specialised plasma cutting equipment has accelerated efforts to clear the auger machine blocking the tunnel entrance. Army engineers are also developing plans to manually dig once the machine is removed.Todays relief is that the remaining part inside the auger is about 8.15 meters yet to be removed. There is no hurdle till now & we are heading towards a positive sign, he added. Trapped Labourers in good condition Authorities report the trapped workers have received sustenance, medicine, and emotional support through a small borehole pipe maintaining contact with the group. Rescue personnel remain cautiously optimistic as geological studies suggest few obstructions in the direct drilling path.The operation exemplifies the risks of Indias extensive infrastructure projects Required to support development and connectivity for the countrys vast and mountainous terrain. The Uttarakhand government continues coordinating multi-agency rescue crews in around-the-clock efforts to bring the 42 labourers back to their anxious families after 15 gruelling days underground.
