National Desk, 22nd November: Eleven days into the rescue operations for 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, efforts have reached a critical phase. Drilling work, which resumed late on Tuesday after a pause since November 17, has made significant progress.
Rescue agencies have successfully drilled 39 meters through the debris, gaining momentum after overcoming a rock formation that caused a days-long delay. Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, expressed satisfaction, stating, “It is a matter of great pleasure for us that 39 meters of pipeline has been drilled from inside the horizontal pipeline tunnel. Everything is going well.”
Using 900 mm pipes, the teams reached a depth of 24 meters and continued with 800 mm pipes to advance further to 36 meters. Officials estimate that 60 meters must be cleared to push through a pipe wide enough for the trapped workers to crawl out.
Rescuers created space for a vertical drilling platform by cutting into the mountain above the tunnel. Plans are underway to construct a micro tunnel perpendicular to the existing tunnel from the left side of the tunnel mouth, although this process is expected to take time.
Trapped laborers received a hot meal, including veg pulao, matar-paneer, and chapatis with butter, delivered through a 6-inch wide pipeline. Images of the trapped workers were captured using an endoscopic flexi camera, showing them in good condition. Modern drilling machinery from various parts of the country supports all necessary drilling operations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the priority of safe evacuation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regularly updated on the progress. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed sufficient water, oxygen, power, and light inside the tunnel where the workers are trapped.
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