India

Chinook Helicopter on Standby: Critical support for trapped workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel

In Uttarakhand’s Chinyalisaur, where the Silkyara tunnel collapse has trapped 41 workers for 17 days, a Chinook helicopter stands ready at the airstrip as a heavy-lift chopper for emergency medical aid. Positioned strategically, the helicopter serves as a backup, complementing the primary rescue plan centered around ambulances and a makeshift medical center.

The Chinyalisaur hospital, 30 km from the tunnel, and the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Rishikesh, 160 km away, are potential destinations for airlifting rescued workers. However, the decision not to fly the helicopter during the night, as explained by Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd.), emphasizes the prioritization of safety and weather conditions.

With one ambulance designated for each worker, a ‘green corridor’ organized by local police ensures swift transportation to Chinyalisaur hospital. The medical arrangements at Chinyalisaur include a 30-bed facility at the district hospital and a nearby 10-bed facility, reinforcing the preparedness for potential medical needs.

As of Tuesday evening, a mere two meters separate the trapped workers from freedom. Rescue teams employ a manual “rat-hole” mining technique after high-tech machines faced challenges. Progress is evident, reaching 58 meters with the assistance of ‘rat miners’ and Army engineers.

Also Read: Dr. Rajeshwar Singh’s Transformative Efforts: Empowering scheduled caste and scheduled tribe communities

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, equipped with stretchers, take charge of the rescue operation. The plan involves a single NDRF member crawling through a two-meter-wide pipe to assess conditions and initiate the process of bringing the workers out. Specially-modified stretchers are employed, and a temporary medical center ensures initial examinations and first aid before transportation in ambulances.

The Silkyara tunnel, a crucial part of Uttarkashi’s Char Dham all-weather road project, underscores the significance of the ongoing rescue efforts and the coordination of various resources for a successful outcome.

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

‘In Kabul, A Cat Has More Freedom Than A Woman’: Revisiting Women’s Struggles Under The Taliban

The Taliban’s regime has since imposed over 100 laws restricting women's rights, stripping them of…

4 hours ago

PM Modi’s Gifts: A Glimpse Of India’s Cultural Heritage In Global Diplomacy

These gifts to world leaders reflect the diverse traditions, arts, and crafts of India, emphasizing…

7 hours ago

Dr Rajeshwar Singh Calls For Bold Goals To Make India A Global Power By 2047

Dr Singh stressed the importance of reaching a GDP of $15 trillion by 2047 to…

8 hours ago

Gautam Adani Faces Indictment In US: Legal Expert Vijay Aggarwal Dismisses Immediate Repercussions

Criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal weighed in on the charges against Adani. He believes the indictment…

8 hours ago

Adani Group Stocks Recover As Sensex nd Nifty Post Gains

After a major sell-off earlier in the week, Adani Group stocks, led by Ambuja Cements…

9 hours ago

Sensex Soars 1,961 Points, Nifty Gains 557 In Broad-Based Market Rally

A sharp rally in financial stocks and encouraging US labor market data fueled the uptrend.…

9 hours ago