An under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway, connecting Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, partially collapsed on Sunday morning, leaving 40 workers trapped inside.
Rescue operations are currently underway to ensure the safety of the workers. Officials have reported that the trapped workers are safe and have access to oxygen cylinders. Additionally, they are being supplied with additional oxygen through a pipe. However, there has been no communication established with the workers inside the tunnel.
Rescue Efforts:
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in collaboration with local police and administration personnel, are diligently carrying out the rescue operations.
Moreover, the rescue operation involves the use of heavy machinery such as JCBs, a Poclain machine, and drilling equipment to clear debris inside the 13-meter-wide tunnel. Efforts are underway to create an escape route and reach the trapped workers. A compressor drill machine has been dispatched from Chinyalisaur, with another mechanical drill machine set to arrive at the scene by Monday morning. To facilitate relief operations, the Chinyalisaur helipad has been activated, and a health team along with four ambulances has been deployed. Satellite phones and lighting systems have been sent to the location, and two additional JCB machines have been dispatched from the Public Works Department (PWD).
Update from the ground:
SDRF Inspector Jagdamba Bijalwan, who is leading the operation, spoke to the Indian Express and noted that the debris could be blocking anywhere between 25 to 50 meters of the tunnel. While communication with the trapped workers remains elusive, he emphasized that the situation does not appear to be life-threatening.
“Oxygen supply is being provided using temporary pipes. We are giving our best and making all possible efforts. As of now, the situation is under control and not life-threatening,” Inspector Bijalwan stated.
District Disaster Management Officer Devendra Patwal, speaking exclusively to the Indian Express, also provided reassuring information, stating that the trapped workers have space to move around within the tunnel. “The good thing is that the laborers are not crammed in and have a buffer of around 400 meters to walk and breathe. They have enough oxygen to easily survive for over eight to 10 hours, and that should give us enough time to rescue them,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured his active monitoring of the ongoing rescue operation. He stated, “After talking to the District Magistrate on this matter, instructions have been given to speed up the rescue mission. I myself am monitoring the rescue operation. I pray to God for the safe exit of all the employees trapped in the tunnel.”
उत्तरकाशी के सिल्क्यारा के पास टनल निर्माण के समय हुई दुर्घटना में फँसे श्रमिकों के बचाव हेतु एसडीआरएफ़, एनडीआरएफ़ और प्रदेश प्रशासन की टीमें पूरी ताक़त से जुटी हुई हैं। स्वयं भी रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन पर लगातार नज़र बनाए रखी है। pic.twitter.com/xWfNtOiYtS
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 12, 2023
