New Delhi: Amidst the relentless rain, the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue takes an unexpected turn with the initiation of rat-hole mining. With the advanced auger drilling machine out of commission, the Indian Army steps in for manual tunnel drilling. Rain, hailstorms migh impact ongoing rescue operationsAs the India Meteorological Department issues a yellow alert for Uttarkashi, warning of rain, lightning, and hailstorms, the rescue operations hang in the balance. A delegation, including PM Modis Principal Secretary PK Mishra and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu, assesses the situation on-site. Rat Miners to the rescueThe vertical drilling process advances steadily, clearing a 36-meter-deep path towards the trapped workers. Meet the rat miners - skilled workers with experience in similar operations in Delhi and Ahmedabad. The manual drilling process theyve embarked upon, removing debris using trolleys and expressing solidarity with the trapped laborers.As the rescue efforts synchronize, six plans unfold, including sideways drilling and blasting techniques. While the rescue operation faced setbacks, the trapped workers were provided with essentials - light, oxygen, food, water, and medicines. What is rat hole miningRat hole mining is a method characterized by the excavation of narrow tunnels, typically ranging from 3 to 4 feet in depth. In this practice, individuals, often children, enter these small tunnels to extract coal. The state of Meghalaya is primarily involved in rat hole mining due to the challenging terrain and the specific characteristics of the coal found in the regionWhat lies ahead in the removal of pipeline hurdlesThe auger machine was damaged and its parts are now being removed. Meanwhile, the pipe is also being prepared for further advancement. The hurdles that are being faced by the rescuers in cutting the damaged parts and the anticipated progress in the next critical hours.Drilling at 36 meters NHIDCL MD Mahmood Ahmed shares updates on the drilling progress, emphasizing the goal to reach 86 meters. Gain insights into the timeline for completing vertical drilling and the potential hurdles that may impact the rescue mission.As Uttarkashi battles against natures fury and rescue operations take unexpected turns, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for the safe emergence of the trapped workers.
