Trapped workers in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, enduring their ordeal for the past 10 days, received a morning meal carefully prepared for them. The sustenance, which includes ‘Aloo-Chana Dal,’ ‘Khichdi,’ ‘Daliya,’ and later ‘Puri,’ is being delivered through a recently installed six-inch-wide pipeline maneuvered through the debris on Monday.
Teams of cooks are diligently involved in the preparation of the breakfast, ensuring a variety of options for the workers. One of the cooks shared details about the menu, expressing that ‘Aloo-Chana Dal’ has been prepared, with ‘Khichdi’ and ‘Daliya’ also among the choices.
The delivery of hot Khichdi through the six-inch pipeline on Monday marked the first direct sustenance provided to the stranded workers since their entrapment. The collapse, reported on November 12 in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot, resulted from a muck falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side. As per government information, the 41 laborers are trapped in a 2 km-built tunnel portion that is structurally complete, providing a measure of safety.
Following the successful breakthrough of the six-inch pipeline, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will resume horizontal boring from the Silkyara end through the Augur boring machine for the rescue operation.
Arnold Dix, the president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, arrived at the site on Monday to contribute to the rescue efforts. Expressing optimism about the ongoing rescue and relief operations, Professor Dix inspected the tunnel and the surrounding area, emphasizing the need for careful consideration amid positive signs.
Colonel Deepak Patil, the in-charge of the rescue operation, highlighted the main challenge of evacuating trapped individuals through a 900 mm pipe. Although this aspect will be attempted later, the immediate focus is on sending essential items such as food, mobiles, and chargers through the existing six-inch lifeline.
Considering the condition of the laborers, a list of available food options has been prepared in consultation with doctors. Plastic cylindrical bottles with wide mouths will be used to send bananas, apples, Khichdi, and Daliya to the trapped workers.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that the evacuation efforts are progressing rapidly. If any relatives of the trapped individuals arrive at the site during this period, the government is prepared to make arrangements for their travel, accommodation, and food.
