Uttarkashi: Hopes for a swift rescue faded as the US-made auger machine encountered a major snag for the fourth time in a week while attempting to create an escape passage through debris in the Uttarkashi Silkyara tunnel. The machine, pushing 800mm pipes, hit a metal obstacle, damaging its blades and shaft. The rescue of 41 trapped workers, now in their 14th day inside the tunnel, faces further delays.

Key Developments:

• The auger machine faced obstruction just 10-12 meters from the workers, damaging its blades and shaft.
• After unsuccessful attempts to pull back the auger, rescue personnel manually cut it into pieces using gas-cutting tools.
• Only 22.6 meters out of 46.9 meters of the damaged shafts had been cut at the time of reporting.
• International tunneling expert Arnold Dix stated that the auger is irreparable and unlikely to function further.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the arrival of a plasma-cutting machine from Hyderabad to expedite the process.
• National Disaster Management Authority member Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain cautioned that the rescue operation might take an extended period due to the complex challenges.
• BSNL established a remote telephone exchange at the site, providing a lifeline for trapped workers to communicate with family members.

Challenges and Frustrations: Rescue efforts have been marred by setbacks, prompting frustration among officials. The frequent obstacles in the rescue operation have led to concerns about the viability of the auger machine.

Alternative Methods Considered: CM Dhami mentioned the possibility of employing a third method, the ‘drift’ method, in addition to the current techniques being used. The operation’s complexity and risks, as noted by NDMA member Lt Gen Hasnain, emphasize the need for patience.

Humanitarian Measures: In a positive development, BSNL facilitated communication for the trapped workers by establishing a remote telephone exchange at the site. Additionally, board games have been provided to help workers pass the time while awaiting rescue.

The situation remains critical, with rescue teams grappling with technical challenges as they strive to ensure the safe evacuation of the trapped workers from the Silkyara tunnel.

See also:

Workers Trapped In Uttarkashi’s Silkyara Tunnel: First Video Released | News Karnataka