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In the ongoing efforts to rescue 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, significant progress has been made with a manual drilling approach. Rat-hole mining specialists, facing challenges with a stuck auger machine, have achieved a breakthrough by completing 55 meters of manual drilling. Simultaneously, vertical drilling from above has reached a depth of 36 meters out of the required 86 meters.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi tunnel rescue | Mahmood Ahmad, the MD of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) says, "Vertical drilling is being done by SJVNL; drilling up to 44 metres out of the total 86 metres is complete…THDC executed 7th blast… pic.twitter.com/VVz2Vs3nGj
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023
Manual Drilling Breakthrough
Rat-hole mining experts are engaged in horizontal drilling through the final stretch of debris, completing 55 meters manually.
A major breakthrough in the rescue operation is expected by 5 PM today, with just a few meters of manual drilling remaining.
Vertical Drilling Progress
Vertical drilling, initiated on Sunday, has reached a depth of 36 meters out of the required 86 meters.
The vertical drilling is part of the strategy to create a one-meter-wide shaft for extracting trapped workers once it penetrates the tunnel.
Auger Machine Successfully Removed
As of Monday evening, the remaining portion of the stuck auger machine was cut out piece by piece.
A steel pipe was inserted into the partially completed escape passage, indicating progress in resolving the auger machine issue.
Secondary Probe for Supply Line
An eight-inch wide shaft drilled from a nearby point has reached approximately 75 meters down.
This secondary probe is expected to serve as a supply line for the trapped workers, with no significant geological obstacles reported so far.
CM Dhami’s Interaction with PM Modi
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami provided an update to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assuring that manual digging work has commenced and 52 meters of pipe has been pushed so far.
Continuous efforts are being made to evacuate workers, ensuring their health, communication with doctors, and regular supply of quality food.
Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami once again today and took information regarding the relief and rescue work of workers trapped in the tunnel in Silkyara: CMO
(File photos) pic.twitter.com/CPU51LYYVy
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023
Preparations for Evacuation
Chief Minister Dhami informed PM Modi about the completion of preparations for the evacuation of stranded workers.
SDRF, NDRF, and doctor’s teams are deployed on the spot, and all officers are on alert 24 hours for the upcoming phase of the operation.
The collaborative efforts involving manual drilling, vertical drilling, and strategic planning aim to ensure the safe and swift evacuation of the trapped workers in the Silkyara tunnel.
