Rain risk, multiple plans underway at Uttarkashi tunnel to rescue 41 trapped workers on Day 17

The efforts are ongoing to rescue the 41 workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi since November 12. As the American Auger machine remains non-operational, a multi-faceted strategy comprising six plans, including rat-hole mining, is being utilised, according to the Press Trust of India.

Skilled rat-hole mining specialists have been engaged to manually drill through the rubble. Visuals depict their relentless endeavors to clear debris and advance through the tunnel.

Meanwhile, there is prediction of light rainfall in the next 48 hrs, India Today reported.

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Horizontal drilling

• A team of 12 mining experts are engaged in manual drilling to excavate the last stretch of debris, reported India Today.
• The experts, not conventional rat-hole miners but skilled technicians, employ a method involving one person drilling, another collecting rubble, and a third placing it on a trolley for removal.
• According to Neeraj Khairwal, Uttarakhand Government's nodal officer, "The men brought to the site were not rat-hole miners but people who are experts in the technique."

• The final phase involves workers using drills and gas cutters to navigate obstacles like iron girders and rubble.
• As of now, 51 meters have been dug up, reported the Press Trust of India.

According to India Today, a plasma cutter was airlifted, and a team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Army engineers joined the operation on Monday.

Vertical drilling

• Simultaneously, vertical drilling from above the tunnel has reached a depth of more than 42 meters.
• According to India Today, Rescuers aim to pull out workers through a one-meter-wide shaft once it breaks through the top of the tunnel, potentially by Thursday.

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Health and communication

• Trapped workers are reportedly in good health, located in a two-kilometre stretch of the tunnel.
• They have been receiving essential supplies through a six-inch pipeline, and communication is maintained through a mic provided via a pipe.
• Family members can talk to the trapped workers, and a camp outside the tunnel provides support, reported India Today.
• Lt Gen Hasnain said, " A team of doctors communicates with the trapped workers twice a day. Psychiatrists and doctors are also constantly in touch with the family members and keep counselling them."
• The officials have provided necessities like toothpaste, brushes, towels, clothes, and undergarments to the workers.

• Mobile phones with movies and video games have been given to keep the workers occupied, reported India Today.
• Geotextile sheets and recreational activities are also provided for their well-being.

Close monitoring

• Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, on November 28, Tuesday, visited the site and said, "It is expected that there will be a breakthrough around 57 metres."
• Principal Secretary to Prime Minister PK Mishra, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu visited the site on Monday, November 27 to assess the situation.
• Mishra spoke to the trapped workers and reassured them, saying, "Multiple agencies were at work to evacuate them, and they should remain patient."

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Member Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain mentioned a yellow weather alert, indicating light rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours.
• However, he assured that rain would not hinder the rescue operation, reported India Today.

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