India

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Workers’ dramatic 12-day ordeal nears end

In a race against time, the final phase of the rescue operation is underway to free 41 workers trapped for 12 days in an Uttarakhand tunnel. As of midnight, a mere 10 meters of debris separates them from freedom. The intricate operation involves drilling through debris, using an auger machine that faced a setback when it hit a metal obstruction. A metal cutter was swiftly employed to overcome this obstacle, ensuring the operation’s continuity.

The meticulous process includes pushing wide pipes through the debris, forming a crucial escape route for the trapped workers. Welders flown in from Delhi are poised to assemble the final stretch of the pipe once drilling concludes. The temperature difference between the tunnel and the outside, along with the psychological impact of prolonged confinement, are factors being considered in the rescue efforts.

Also Read: Varanasi: 12 lakh lamps will be illuminated at ghats of Ganga on Dev Diwali

However, the challenges extend beyond extraction; the workers, having received limited meals during their ordeal, require thorough medical attention. Upon reaching the surface through the rescue pipe, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) doctor will assess their condition. The workers will then navigate the pipes, under close NDRF supervision, towards 41 standby ambulances outside the tunnel, ready to transport them to a makeshift hospital in Chinyalisour for comprehensive medical examinations.

The tunnel, a key component of the Char Dham project, is situated between Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarakhand. The 4.5 km tunnel, linking Uttarkashi and Yamunotri, faced a setback on November 12 due to a landslide, leaving workers trapped in an 8.5 meters high and 2 km long section. The region’s challenging topography and soil nature have impeded rescue progress, making it difficult for teams to provide a precise timeline for completion.

Also Read: Health emergency in China, outbreak of another mysterious disease after Covid-19

Despite these hurdles, rescue officers remain cautiously optimistic, stating that successful operations in the next couple of hours are plausible if conditions remain favorable. The collective efforts of rescue teams, coupled with the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles, highlight the resilience in the face of adversity during this critical rescue mission.

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

Gautam Adani Hails Puri Lifeguards As Unsung Heroes During Rath Yatra Visit

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, visited Puri in Odisha during the annual Rath…

5 hours ago

Acharya Pramod Krishnam Slams Congress Over ‘Internal Emergency’ Allegation

Acharya Pramod Krishnam, stirred political debate by claiming an 'internal emergency' still exists within the…

6 hours ago

MRM Meeting: Pledge for Global Peace, Green India, De-addiction & Democratic Integrity

Taking a crucial step toward positive transformation, social reform, and global peace, the Muslim Rashtriya…

6 hours ago

India To Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games; Amit Shah Hails Global Recognition

India has been chosen to host the prestigious 2029 World Police and Fire Games in…

6 hours ago

Seeing The Lord Among Devotees Is The Pinnacle Of Humility: Gautam Adani At Rath Yatra

Gautam Adani, along with his wife and Karan, participated in the Rath Yatra in Puri,…

9 hours ago

PM Modi Interacts With Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard The ISS

PM Narendra Modi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the…

10 hours ago