Silkyara Tunnel Collapse: Ongoing Rescue Operation to Evacuate Trapped Workers in Final Stage, Says CM

In a continued effort to free the 41 workers trapped in the Silkayara tunnel in Uttarkashi since November 12, preparations for their evacuation are in the final stages, as confirmed by the Uttrakhand Chief Minister’s Office in a recent press release. The Chief Minister himself is on-site in Uttarkashi, overseeing the critical concluding phases of the operation.

As the rescue mission entered its 12th day on Thursday, medical equipment has been successfully transported to the site to aid in the evacuation efforts. Despite the prolonged endeavor, officials anticipate that the workers will be pulled out from the collapsed tunnel today. The laborers were initially trapped when debris obstructed the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot, causing a blockage in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side.

The ongoing rescue operation, now at a crucial phase, faced a hurdle as of midnight, with rescue teams reporting approximately 10 meters of debris still separating them from the trapped workers. The complexity of the operation involves drilling through the debris to create wide passages for the workers to walk through. An auger machine, capable of clearing about 3 meters of debris per hour, had previously encountered a metal obstruction, causing a temporary delay.

A 41-bed hospital has been readied at the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur to facilitate the medical examination and care of the workers once they are successfully evacuated from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. Rescue workers emphasize the importance of a detailed medical examination to ensure the well-being of the individuals.

In a recent development, NDRF personnel, in a nighttime operation, transported oxygen cylinders to Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel, further supporting the ongoing rescue efforts. The area of entrapment, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometers in length, constitutes the built-up portion of the tunnel, providing safety to the laborers with available electricity and water supply.

The collective efforts of the rescue teams continue as they work towards the imminent evacuation of the trapped workers, underscoring the significance of a careful and meticulous approach to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.