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The serene mountains of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand witnessed a tragedy on Sunday, November 12, 2023, as an under-construction tunnel, a crucial part of the Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed. This catastrophe trapped 41 workers inside, setting off an intense rescue mission that has garnered nationwide attention.
Ongoing Rescue Operation for 41 Trapped Workers: A Race Against Time
As the clock ticks, rescuers are tirelessly working to save lives within the 4.5-kilometer-long tunnel that crumbled at 4 am on that fateful Sunday. These workers hail from different states across India, and their families anxiously await their safe return. The rescue operation, initiated promptly by authorities, involves multiple teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire brigade, local police, and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation and has urged officials to expedite the rescue mission. In a display of solidarity, he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assured all possible assistance. Other political leaders, including Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, have expressed their concern and prayers for the trapped workers.
Union Minister of Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari, on-site at the collapse, affirmed the Centre's commitment to providing full assistance. A thorough inquiry is promised once the rescue operations conclude.
Challenges and Progress in the Tunnel:
The ongoing rescue operation faces challenges from hard rock and debris inside the tunnel. Rescuers have deployed large-diameter mild steel pipes using auger machines to create an escape passage. Despite breaching approximately 15 meters into the tunnel, about 35 meters of debris still needs clearing to reach the workers.
As per the latest updates, the rescuers have identified a point at the tunnel's top for vertical drilling. This track, measuring 1,000 to 1,100 meters long, is expected to be ready by Sunday afternoon, offering a ray of hope in the race against time.
According to PTI DRDO's Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) 'Daksh' was brought to the Silkyara tunnel site earlier today.
Inside the darkness of the collapsed tunnel, rescuers maintain contact with the trapped workers through a microphone. Oxygen, water, and food have been provided to ensure their well-being. The families, anxiously awaiting the safe return of their loved ones, cling to the hope that the rescue mission will succeed by Tuesday night or Wednesday.
As the nation collectively holds its breath, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in large-scale infrastructure projects and the unwavering spirit of humanity determined to overcome them.
