In a crucial step toward rescuing the 41 workers trapped in the collapsed section of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, officials have announced the commencement of manual drilling. The operation, now in its 14th day, took a significant turn as rescuers prepare to cut through the debris obstructing access to the trapped workers.
The decision to initiate manual drilling comes after the removal of a US-made heavy-duty Auger drilling machine, which had been deployed to create a pathway for the trapped workers. The machine’s removal is expected to pave the way for manual drillers to work on the remaining rubble, allowing for the insertion of a pipeline through the remaining distance.
Speaking about the development, a senior official involved in the rescue operation stated that the manual drilling would begin soon. He explained that the remaining debris, spanning approximately 6 to 9 meters, would be cleared through manual drilling.
The decision to remove the Auger machine was motivated by the challenges faced during the drilling process. The machine encountered obstructions every two to three feet, leading to repeated removal and rollback, significantly prolonging the rescue operation. The senior official emphasized that manual drilling would expedite progress, even in the event of encountering obstacles.
While refraining from providing a specific timeframe for the completion of the rescue mission, officials expressed optimism about a positive outcome once manual drilling commences on Saturday.
Earlier assessments by a team of experts, employing ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, revealed no heavy objects up to 5 meters inside the tunnel. GPR, a non-destructive technique, aids in producing subsurface profiles without drilling, trenching, or ground disturbances. The experts confirmed that the rescue tunnel’s examination indicated no hindrances up to 5 meters.
The ordeal began on November 12 when a section of the tunnel collapsed, trapping 41 laborers in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side. The workers find themselves confined in a 2 km-built portion, which, despite the collapse, remains structurally complete, providing them a measure of safety. The success of the ongoing rescue operation hinges on the efficiency of the manual drilling process, with officials cautiously optimistic about a positive resolution in the coming days.
