TFP Bureau, New Delhi, Nov 25, 2023: The government is committed to the ongoing rescue operations at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, where 41 workers are trapped, focusing on a 2 km section of the tunnel. With completed concrete work ensuring safety, the rescue efforts involve various government agencies and national and international experts.
Key Updates on Rescue Operations:
1. NHIDCL Lifeline Efforts:
Freshly cooked food, fresh fruits, medicines, and salts are regularly inserted into the tunnel using the 2nd lifeline.
A modified communication system with wire connectivity developed by SDRF is used, maintaining regular contact with those inside, confirming their safety.
2. Horizontal Boring by NHIDCL:
Auger drilling, encountering metallic obstacles, has faced challenges, with Gas cutters utilized to cut lattice girder rib.
Strengthening of the platform for the auger machine is completed, and the auger reassembly is accomplished.
Auger pushing has resumed, with progress in inserting pipes.
3. Vertical Drilling for Rescue by SJVNL:
Drilling machinery has arrived at the site, with the assembly in progress.
4. Horizontal Drilling from Barkot Side by THDCL:
THDC initiated the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, with completed blasts and ongoing structural work.
5. Perpendicular-Horizontal Drilling by RVNL:
– Equipment for micro tunneling for horizontal drilling has arrived at the site, and the platform’s completion is expected shortly.
6. Vertical Drilling (6 inches) by RVNL at Silkyara end:
The access road is completed, and the drilling machine is positioned.
7. Vertical Drilling Toward Barkot End by ONGC:
ONGC’s drilling team and equipment have reached the site, with a report submission pending after the field survey.
8. Drift Tunnel by Manual-Semi Mechanized Method:
Drift design is completed, and fabrication is underway by the joint team of THDCL, Army, Coal India, and NHIDCL.
9. Road Cutting and Supportive Work by BRO:
– BRO has completed the approach road for vertical drilling by SJVNL and RVNL and is building the approach road for ONGC.
Background:
A collapse occurred on November 12, 2023, in the under-construction Silkyara to Barkot tunnel, leading to the mobilization of resources for rescue efforts.
Safety concerns prompted exploration of multiple rescue options, with five agencies—ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL—collaborating on the operation.
