1. Uttarkashi tunnel rescue reaches the final stage.
2. Evacuation phase imminent for 41 trapped workers.
3. Each person to be brought out individually in 3-5 minutes; process expected to take 3-4 hours.
Uttarkashi, Nov 28: The arduous operation to rescue 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi has entered its final stage, with the impending evacuation phase set to commence soon.
The workers, who have endured 17 days inside the tunnel, will be brought out individually in a process estimated to take 3-5 minutes per person. Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retired), a member of the National Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that the entire evacuation, involving three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), is expected to span 3 to 4 hours.
In preparation for the workers’ rescue, NDRF teams equipped with mattresses and stretchers were seen entering the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel. Specialized rat miners, employed for manual drilling, successfully penetrated the final meters of rubble on Tuesday morning.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who arrived at the site, declared that the insertion of the evacuation pipe is complete, expressing confidence in the imminent rescue of all workers. The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12, trapping 41 workers inside.
As the last remnants of the damaged auger drilling machine were removed on Monday, a steel pipe was inserted into the incomplete escape passage. Simultaneously, vertical drilling from above the tunnel, spanning 86 meters as of Tuesday morning, briefly halted by noon.
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Latest Developments in Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue
- Lt General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retired) reported that the rescue team drilled through 58 meters, with the rescue pipe requiring an additional two meters to reach the trapped workers.
- Ambulances and NDRF teams entered the tunnel after workers broke through the 60-meter stretch of rubble in the Silkyara tunnel.
- Rat-hole mining experts, divided into teams, executed the drilling process, with one individual drilling, another collecting rubble, and a third transporting it on a trolley for removal.
- Indian Air Force choppers are on standby for airlifting workers once rescued.
Prime Minister Modi’s Involvement and Families’ Hopeful Anticipation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought updates on the ongoing rescue operations. The families of the trapped workers, who have been anxiously awaiting their loved ones’ return, expressed hope and joy. A father, shedding tears of joy, eagerly anticipated reuniting with his son. Meanwhile, a mother from Ranchi, whose son is among the trapped workers, conveyed her anticipation and disbelief, emphasizing her happiness upon seeing her son.
The rescue effort involves a combination of manual drilling, vertical drilling, and careful coordination between multiple agencies. The completion of this final phase will mark the successful rescue of the workers who have endured the challenging ordeal for over two weeks.
