1. Challenges in Uttarkashi tunnel rescue prompt deployment of a six-member rat-hole mining team from Madhya Pradesh.
2. The move follows issues with a US-made auger machine, which got stuck after drilling 46.8 meters through debris.
3. Rat-hole mining, a primitive method, involves extracting materials through narrow, horizontal passages and is commonly used in Meghalaya for coal extraction.
Uttarkashi, Nov 28: Amid challenges faced with a US-made auger machine during the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse rescue operation, a decisive move has been made to deploy a six-member rat-hole mining team from Madhya Pradesh.
The incident occurred when parts of the auger machine, which had drilled up to 46.8 meters through debris, became stuck, prompting officials to explore alternative options. The focus is now on the rat-hole mining technique, a primitive method for extracting materials through narrow, horizontal passages, typically employed in Meghalaya for coal extraction.
The specific task at hand involves manually drilling the last 10-12 meters of debris within the collapsed portion of the tunnel, a crucial step toward rescuing the 41 workers trapped since the landslide on November 12.
The team of rat-hole miners commenced their drilling operation from within pipes, measuring 800- and 900-mm in diameter, inserted into the tunnel for the evacuation of workers.
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Rakesh Rajput, one of the rat-hole miners from Madhya Pradesh, outlined the division of tasks within the team. Three members will enter the tunnel – one to conduct the drilling, another to collect debris, and the third to push the debris through a trolley. Expressing solidarity with the trapped workers, Rajput emphasized the collective commitment to bringing them to safety.
Rat-hole mining, characterized by narrow, horizontal passages resembling pits dug by rats, requires specialized skills. Parsadi Lodhi, another miner participating in the rescue, highlighted his experience of over a decade in Delhi and Ahmedabad, stating that it would be the first time they applied their skills to such a rescue operation.
Lodhi explained the process, involving entry into rescue pipes, deployment of hand-held tools to remove debris, and the use of 800-mm pipes, which are narrower than the 600-mm holes they have entered previously. Approximately 10 to 12 meters of debris remain, and the duration of the operation will depend on whether the debris consists mainly of soil or rocks.
Vipin Rajput, another team member, expressed confidence in their skills, having been engaged in similar work for the past two to three years. Despite the challenges, the team remains hopeful about successfully completing the rescue operation.
The collapsed section of the 4.5-km-long tunnel, part of the Char Dham all-weather road project, is situated between Silkyara and Barkot on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms, hail, and rain, which could impact the ongoing rescue efforts.
