BREAKTHROUGH IN SILKYARA TUNNEL RESCUE: ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES AND LIVE VISUALS FOR TRAPPED WORKERS
Rescuers achieved a significant breakthrough in the ongoing rescue operation at the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. After eight days, there is finally a glimmer of hope for the 41 workers who have been trapped inside. The latest development involves successfully navigating a six-inch-wide pipeline through the debris of the collapsed tunnel.
This breakthrough is crucial as it now allows for the delivery of larger quantities of food to sustain the trapped workers and opens up the potential for live visuals of their situation. Previously, a four-inch tube provided essential supplies such as oxygen, dry fruits, and medicines to the section beyond the rubble. However, with the new six-inch pipeline reaching an impressive 53 meters beyond the debris, the rescue mission has entered a critical phase.
Anshu Manish Khalkho, director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), hailed this achievement as the first breakthrough in the operation. However, the focus now shifts to the rescue operation itself and the safe extraction of the trapped workers.
To aid in the mission, drones and robots from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have been deployed to explore potential escape routes. Horizontal boring through the debris is set to resume once a temporary halt caused by a boulder is cleared. Additionally, the construction of a vertical rescue shaft, approximately 80 meters deep, has commenced with the support of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which is providing additional equipment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently discussed the situation with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, emphasizing the importance of keeping the morale of the trapped workers high. The urgency of the situation prompted the Uttarakhand High Court to take note of a plea regarding the disaster. The court has asked the state government to respond by Tuesday.
The breakthrough not only enables the delivery of essential supplies but also significantly improves the psychological well-being of the trapped workers. With the new six-inch pipeline in place, food items such as porridge, khichdi, apples, and bananas can now be accessed. To ensure convenience, plastic bottles with wide mouths will be used for packaging. There are even discussions about sending mobile phones and chargers to provide a means of communication for the workers.
Efforts are also underway to explore the possibility of live-streaming through the pipeline. Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi is working on inserting a wire that would allow for visual communication between the rescuers and the trapped workers. The next step in the operation involves removing the drill bit from the pipe, which will finally enable the delivery of essential supplies.
In terms of technical support, Delhi is expected to provide endoscopy-like camera equipment to facilitate enhanced visual communication between the rescuers and the workers.
With all these significant breakthroughs and preparations in place, there is renewed hope for the successful extraction of the trapped workers from the Silkyara tunnel. The relentless efforts of rescuers, coupled with technological advancements and the unwavering support of government authorities, are driving the operation forward. As the rescue mission progresses, all eyes remain on the tunnel, awaiting positive news and a safe return for the trapped workers.
