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The Uttarakhand tunnel collapse rescue operation is anticipated to be completed within the next 12-14 hours, as stated by former advisor to the prime minister’s office, Bhaskar Khulbe, on Thursday. After reaching the 41 trapped workers, an additional three hours may be required to extricate them individually. This marks the first time that authorities have provided a specific timeframe for the rescue efforts.
The senior official mentioned that rescue workers successfully removed an iron mesh obstructing the path of the drillers. The presence of the iron mesh had caused significant delays in the operation due to the challenging conditions within the confined pipe.
“It took us six hours to remove it. The good news is that we have cleared the hurdle that arose after drilling up to 45 meters had been done,” Khulbe informed the media.
He further explained that the rescue workers are now engaged in welding the pipes, and drilling is set to recommence shortly.
“It will take around 12 to 14 more hours to complete the entire operation of reaching the workers. After that, an additional three hours will be required to extract the workers one by one, with the assistance of NDRF,” he added.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Former advisor to PMO, Bhaskar Khulbe says "…In the next 14-15 hours, we will be able to cross the 60-metre mark. It will take 12-14 hours more for us to reach the spot where the workers are trapped and then it can take 2-3… pic.twitter.com/8KU8XrhaY9
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023
Reportedly, only 6 meters of drilling separate the rescue workers from the trapped individuals.
Post-rescue plans have been meticulously arranged by the Uttarkashi administration and other agencies. The authorities have prepared for the retrieval of the workers who have been trapped inside the tunnel for 12 days.
Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi stated, “Our post-rescue action plan is ready. We have finalized details about where to take them (rescued workers), and how to take them. A green corridor will be established for their movement.”
The administration has arranged 41 ambulances waiting outside the tunnel for the post-rescue phase.
“45 meters of pipeline has been laid through an auger machine. The rescue is at its final stages. Although there are some obstacles, we hope that the workers will be rescued as soon as possible. Post-rescue preparations have been made, and ambulances and hospitals are ready for their check-up and treatment,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
