The government of Uttarakhand has put into effect a comprehensive five-pronged action plan to rescue 41 workers who are trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel. The rescue operation, now in its 13th day, has encountered various challenges, including temporary halts and obstructions in drilling, complicating the effort to reach the workers.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain has emphasized the unpredictable and challenging nature of the rescue operation, stating that it could encounter up to three or four additional obstacles during the horizontal drilling process. The prediction of a specific timeframe for the rescue operation has been deemed impractical due to the unpredictable nature of the task.
Furthermore, 41 ambulances, one for each trapped worker, have been stationed at the tunnel site, and arrangements have been made to airlift severely injured workers. The rescue operation has seen the drilling of up to 46.8 meters in the tunnel, with just a short distance remaining to reach the trapped workers. This progress was temporarily hindered due to a snag in the drilling machine.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Atul Karwal has highlighted the meticulous process of evacuating the workers, revealing that they will be pulled out on wheeled stretchers one by one through a large pipe that is still being drilled to reach them.
Union Minister General VK Singh (Retd) has personally arrived at the Silkyara tunnel site to oversee and support the ongoing rescue operation. Efforts to supply the trapped workers with food, water, medicines, and air through small pipes have been ongoing. Simultaneously, the challenging task of drilling through to reach the workers and install a pipe for their evacuation is being undertaken in an area known for its geological sensitivity.
The rescue operation has faced significant obstacles, but the government’s comprehensive action plan and the diligent efforts of the rescuers are focused on ensuring the safe evacuation and restoration of the trapped workers to their families. These efforts are critical in a race against time to provide assistance to those in dire need.
The plight of the 41 trapped workers in Uttarakhand has captured the nation’s attention, with citizens across the country anxiously awaiting their safe rescue and recovery. The challenges involved in this rescue effort serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in such operations, particularly in geologically sensitive areas.
As the rescue operation continues to unfold, the hopes and prayers of the nation are with the trapped workers and the tireless rescuers, as they work together to overcome the daunting challenges and bring about a successful and safe evacuation.
