“This is Uttarakhand govt’s indolence and negligence,” Congress leader Yashpal Arya Congress Leader Criticizes State Government’s Response to Silkyara Tunnel Rescue op
“This is Uttarakhand govt’s indolence and negligence,” Congress leader Yashpal Arya Congress Leader Criticizes State Government’s Response to Silkyara Tunnel Rescue op
“This is Uttarakhand govt’s indolence and negligence,” Congress leader Yashpal Arya Congress Leader Criticizes State Government’s Response to Silkyara Tunnel Rescue op
In a scathing critique, Uttarakhand Congress leader Yashpal Arya lambasted the state government over its handling of the ongoing Silkyara tunnel collapse rescue operation. Arya, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly, accused the government of indolence and negligence, alleging corruption in the awarding of contracts and pointing out the absence of an escape tunnel that could have averted the tragedy.
The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12, trapping 41 workers inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. Amid growing concerns, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Member Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain provided an update on the rescue efforts. Hasnain revealed that 86 meters of vertical drilling are required to reach the trapped workers, with 17 meters of drilling already completed under Plan 2. He emphasized that Plan 3, involving sideways drilling, has yet to be initiated but is expected to commence soon.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Hasnain assured that geological studies suggest no obstructions, and stability is being closely monitored. The rescue team is employing fail-safe techniques, including equipment brought in from outside to remove a stuck auger machine. Despite challenges, Hasnain affirmed the stability and safety of the trapped workers, providing reassurance amid the ongoing crisis.
In a significant development, a unit of Madras Sappers, an engineer group of the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army, has been deployed for manual drilling at the Silkyara tunnel site. The move is part of intensified efforts to reach the workers who have been trapped for 15 days. The collapse resulted in debris falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, creating a complex situation for the rescue teams.
As the nation watches closely, the rescue operation remains a race against time. The allegations of government negligence and corruption, coupled with the challenges faced by the rescue teams, underscore the urgency of addressing infrastructure and safety lapses to prevent similar incidents in the future. The unfolding situation in Uttarakhand continues to demand coordinated efforts and resources to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers.
