ANI
It's been 13 days since an under-construction tunnel collapsed at Silkyara in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. Now, it seems that the 41 trapped workers will be evacuated today as the NDRF team using stretchers is taking them out.
Currently, a 25-tonne platform mounting the Heavy American Auger machine being used to drill through the debris has been strengthened using an accelerating agent for the rapid hardening of concrete, and rescue operations are expected to resume shortly.
#WATCH | | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue: NDRF demonstrates the movement of wheeled stretchers through the pipeline, for the rescue of 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara Tunnel once the horizontal pipe reaches the other side. pic.twitter.com/mQcvtmYjnk
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023
Earlier on Thursday, the platform on which the equipment was mounted had developed some cracks when the rescue operation was underway and the process of horizontal drilling through the debris had to be paused.
According to the official bulletin, the pushing of the 9th pipe started at 1:10 am on Friday and the pipe reached an additional 1.8 meters, but suddenly, a minor vibration was noted.
Following this, the auger was pushed slightly back to re-assess the force to be applied wherein the rescue team observed the obstructions.
"A bent part of forepole (pipe) from tunnel lining was struck in the auger assembly which led to vibration. The platform for the auger machine is strengthened using an accelerating agent for rapid hardening of concrete," the official bulletin said.
However, the auger was required to pull back to assess any other damage to the pipe.
The welder’s team has gone inside the pipe to cut of bent pipe which is ongoing.
"Auger reassembly will start shortly thereafter," it added. To give an emergent safe passage of the workforce for pipe pushing activities by auger machine, from near the pipe drilling machine, an escape passage by way of placing concrete culvert block, hume pipe and steel pipe for a length of 67 m (187 m to 120 m) has been taken up and work has been completed.
All 41 stranded workers are safe, the bulletin added.
"Modified communication system with wire connectivity has already been developed by State Disaster Response Force and through which clear communication is being made regularly. People inside have reported that they are safe," it said.
Moreover, freshly cooked food and fresh fruits are being inserted inside the tunnel at regular intervals using 2nd lifeline service (150 mm dia pipe).
2nd service lifeline (food pipe, 150 mm) has been extended from the initial position to a distance of 12 m to ensure higher stability and safety. The last food consignment consisting of roti (200 nos), Dal (12 litres) and mixed veg was sent at 6:30 pm on Thursday.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue: Visuals from the site where the rescue operation is underway to rescue the 41 trapped workers. pic.twitter.com/MSPduPma68
— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2023
On November 12, a portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed and debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside.
The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete, including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.
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