Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Operation: Relief and rescue operations are going on a war footing to safely rescue 41 people trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. On Monday (November 20), the work of laying a 6-inch pipe was completed to establish communication with the workers and to supply food items to them.
On Tuesday (21st November) morning came a relief news that he was being talked to on walkie talkie and CCTV footage had also surfaced. After this, the Central and State Governments have heaved a sigh of relief and the efforts being made for rescue work have been intensified.
Road Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain has shared information with the media regarding the rescue operation. In the press conference of the ministry, member of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain was also present.
‘Advice taken from many countries regarding rescue operation’
Take. General (retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain said that people were trapped in the tunnel as it was closed from both sides. NDRF, SDRF and many technical agencies are busy working there. Advice has also been taken from many countries regarding the rescue operation. At the same time, 3-4 foreign experts have also reached the accident site.
‘Along with food and drinks, medicines and oxygen are also being delivered’
He also mentioned that people are not trapped in a very small space in the tunnel. It is a few kilometers long place. If the power line is not cut, there is electricity there too. Essential items like food, water, medicines are being supplied through the hole that was made initially, there is also oxygen there.
‘Many families of people trapped in the tunnel also reached the site’
NDRF officer says that the families of some of the people trapped in the tunnel have also been taken there. At the same time, representatives of the states where people are stranded are also there. The district administration has also made proper arrangements for everyone.
‘Reached at 20 metres, aim to reach 60 metres’
According to member Hasnain, efforts are being made through drilling at 5 places. Of these, the most intensive efforts are being made at one place involving horizontal drilling. At the same time, there is a problem due to the presence of rocks after 20-21 meters. Its solution is also being found. Vertical efforts are also being made by rescue agencies. Blasting is also happening. But this is a slow method. Therefore, work on the old horizontal route has been increased. He told that till now 20-21 meters have been covered but 60 meters have to be covered.
‘NDRF squad is rehearsing for every situation’
He expressed happiness over the fact that by reaching there a 6-inch pipeline, efforts can be made to build a line of communication there. Before this pipeline, there was already a 4 inch pipeline. He said that the NDRF squad is rehearsing for every situation. Whatever the situation arises, this squad and other agencies will become active immediately.
‘Rescue operation going on using various methods’
In response to a question, NDRF member Hasnain said that soon communication will be completely established. Then we will be able to know their situation better. Considering the technical complexity of the matter, it would not be right to comment on any time limit for their removal. All I can say right now is that best efforts are being made. 4-5 different methods are being used simultaneously, whichever method will yield the quickest success. We are not sitting on the idea that if one method fails then adopt another.
‘If all goes well, we will deliver the ‘Auger’ machine within 2 days.’
Ministry Secretary Anurag Jain said that the army team is also engaged in the rescue operation in its own way. We are confident that everyone will return safely. He also said that if all the conditions remain together and there is no problem due to the rock, then with the help of ‘Auger’ machine 2 and a half days we will reach it deep inside. However, at present it would not be right to give any time limit for success through this or any other method.
Also read: Uttarakhand Tunnel: 41 people, 10th day and 5 very difficult routes to save lives
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