Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Manual digging specialist details operation to remove debris
Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], November 27 (ANI): As a team of six specialists, including engineers from the Indian Army’s Madras Engineering Group and civilian experts, begin the daunting task of rescuing 41 trapped labourers in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel, one civilian specialist, Prasadilal, emphasizes the importance of brotherhood. All labourers are our brothers, he said.
The manual drilling work involves sending a team of six people into the 800 mm pipeline to manually remove debris, using shovels and other specialized tools. To ensure their safety, the team will also carry a blower for oxygen supply.
Former Army Engineer-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Harpal Singh (Retd), who is present at the site, explained that with the Auger machine now freed, manual intervention is the only viable method left. There is no other way left except the manual method, and this is also the safest way to reach the trapped labourers, he said. The team has already completed over 35 meters of vertical drilling out of the required 86 meters.
Prayers are being offered throughout the nation for the successful rescue of the workers. Devotees in Haridwar lit 21,000 lamps at Har Ki Pauri, praying fervently for the trapped labourers in the Silkyara tunnel. A havan puja has also been organized near the tunnel to seek divine intervention.
Meanwhile, authorities remain hopeful that the operation will be concluded soon. After the removal of the damaged pipe, along with strengthening and muck clearance, skilled labourers will go in with the help of the army. We hope this will be done soon, Lt. Gen Harpal Singh (retd) stated.
It is important to note that the primary focus of this ongoing rescue operation is the safe retrieval of the trapped workers. The dedicated team of specialists, military personnel, and civilians are working tirelessly to ensure their wellbeing. Let us maintain our prayers and hopes for a successful and swift rescue.
