Rescue Operation Day 17: Rat-Hole Miners Drill to Reach Trapped Workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel

Rescue Operation Day 17: Rat-Hole Miners Drill to Reach Trapped Workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel

VoM News Desk | November 28, 2023 | 09:37 AM IST | Uttarakhand | Follow on Google News

Rescue Operation Day 17: Rat-Hole Miners Drill to Reach Trapped Workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel

Rescue Operation Day 17: Rat-Hole Miners Drill to Reach Trapped Workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel

The rescue operation for the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand has reached a critical stage as “rat-hole miners” have begun manual drilling operations.

A team of 24 experienced rat-hole mining experts has been deployed to manually drill and excavate a narrow passageway towards the trapped workers. This labor-intensive process involves carefully removing debris to create a safe path for the rescue operation. The workers are reportedly only 5 meters away from the rescue team.

Challenges in Rescue Efforts

Initially, large auger machines were used for drilling, but they got stuck in the rubble, leading to the adoption of manual drilling and vertical drilling methods. About 40% of the 86-meter vertical drilling has been completed. The rescue operation faces additional challenges due to a rain forecast and dropping temperatures, which could complicate the efforts to reach the trapped workers.

Communication and Safety Measures

A landline connection has been established to allow communication with the trapped workers. Doctors stationed at the tunnel site communicate with them twice daily. To ensure the safety of the workers navigating the 800-millimeter diameter pipes, they will be equipped with helmets, uniforms, masks, and glasses.

Government’s Involvement and PM Modi’s Assurance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Principal Secretary PK Mishra have shown keen interest in the rescue operations. PM Modi emphasized the need for alertness and continuous effort despite nature’s challenges. Mishra visited the site to review the operations and assured full support from the central government.

The Silkyara tunnel, located about 30 km from Uttarkashi and a seven-hour drive from Dehradun, is a crucial part of the Char Dham all-weather road project initiated by the central government. This ambitious project aims to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

VoM News Desk

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