Achieving a major breakthrough, authorities have managed to drill 42 metres out of around 60 metres from the Silkyara end to rescue workers stuck in the Char Dham tunnel collapse, using an auger boring machine, while they have also successfully established video communication, boosting the morale of those trapped.
While the rescue work is underway, officials have also managed to serve cooked food to the labourers trapped since November 12 with the help of the second lifeline that became functional.
In an official statement with updates till 2pm on Wednesday, authorities said that the workers were provided with an ample food supply, including roti, sabzi, khichdi, daliya, oranges, and bananas in addition to medicines and other essentials like clothes such as t-shirts and undergarments, as well as toothpaste and soaps.
“Modified communication systems with wire connectivity have been developed by NDRF/SDRF through which clear communication is made. People inside reported in the morning that they are safe. The old lifeline service point/talking point (RHS) has been shifted from the existing point to a safer place and protected,” the statement added.
On Tuesday, News18 reported that authorities believe that the fastest approach for rescue is horizontal boring with an American auger machine.
Road, Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain had told News18 that with the new six-inch pipeline, they would serve hot cooked food to the 41 workers stuck in the tunnel collapse. So far, only packed dried items, including chana and dry fruits, were being given to them.
Horizontal boring
Continuing the efforts to save the workers, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has resumed horizontal boring from the Silkyara end using an auger boring machine. As per the latest update, 42 metres of pipes have been inserted. Further, the fabrication of a protective canopy for the drilling machine is underway.
To give safe passage to the rescue team, an escape route by way of box culverts and pipes for a length of 67 metres has been completed.
Authorities are also exploring horizontal drilling from the Barkot side by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL). They have initiated the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, with four blasts already completed, resulting in a 9.10-metre drift. Efforts are being made to carry out three blasts per day.
The incident
On November 12, a collapse occurred in the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to debris falling in a 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side. Immediate mobilisation of resources by the state and central governments ensued to rescue the 41 trapped labourers.
Initially opting for a 900-mm pipe through the debris, safety concerns led to the exploration of multiple rescue options simultaneously.
The area of entrapment, measuring 8.5 metres in height and 2 kilometres in length, is the built-up portion of the tunnel, offering safety to the labourers with available electricity and water supply.
Five agencies—ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL—have been assigned specific responsibilities, working collaboratively with occasional task adjustments for operational efficiency.
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