Workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi.
Workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: The workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi have not been able to come out yet. But after two unsuccessful attempts, a drilling machine brought from America drilled up to 24 meters. As the machine progresses, the expectation of workers coming out also increases. By Friday morning, 24 meters of pipe had been inserted into the debris using an American jack, push earth auger machine. This high quality machine is drilling 5 to 6 meters in an hour. It takes more time to correct the alignment of the pipe to weld it. Now drilling up to 24 meters has made it easier to reach the workers trapped in the tunnel.
The battle to save 40 lives continues
The rescue operation is going on under the supervision of PMO to save 40 laborers trapped in the tunnel. That is why ITBP and NDRF personnel were deployed inside the tunnel. According to officials, big pipes of 800 mm, 900 mm diameter are being inserted one after the other by drilling through the debris to make a path.
Since Tuesday, officials have been drilling in the debris to pull out the workers. However, drilling work had to be stopped due to another landslide during the night. After this the drilling machine also broke down. Work had to be stopped twice due to machine breakdown. After this, a big drilling machine weighing 25 tonnes was brought by the C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
Before starting the drilling work, prayers were offered there. Union Minister VK Singh, who reached the spot on Thursday, said that it may take two to three days to evacuate the workers. But depending on the pace of drilling work, it can be expected that the workers will come out by Friday evening. Meanwhile, state DGP Ashok Kumar, who reached Silkyara on Thursday, said that all the workers trapped in the tunnel are safe and they are being continuously talked to. Oxygen, electricity, medicines and water are also being supplied to them through pipes.
