36 metres drilled vertically, manual work starts to drill through debris in Silkyara
Tuesday, 28 November 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Vertical drilling to reach the workers trapped in the partially caved-in Silkyara tunnel is continuing with rescuers having drilled through at least 36 metres. Principal secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra and Ministry of Home Affairs secretary Ajay Bhalla also inspected the rescue mission at Silkyara on Monday.
Addressing the media on Monday, secretary Neeraj Khairwal said that the task of cutting the blade and shaft of the auger machine stuck in the metal pipe used to make the escape channel in the tunnel has been completed and the head of the machine has also been removed.A 1.9 metre piece of the pipe had been cut earlier and now manual work has started with the pipe being pushed 0.9 metres ahead, he said.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways additional secretary and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited managing director Mahmood Ahmed informed rescuers are continuing the task of vertical drilling with a 36 metre stretch having been drilled through till Monday evening. Work on this option is being carried on at a brisk pace with care, he added.
Meanwhile, Mishra and Bhalla inspected the rescue operation in the tunnel. They were informed about the condition of the tunnel through a graphical presentation and mapping. Mishra also sought information from the officials, workers and the engineers involved in the rescue operation. Mishra also interacted with the workers involved in cutting the blade and shaft of the auger machine and appreciated their work. He directed the officials that along with the safety of the trapped workers, special focus should also be laid on the safety of all those involved in the relief and rescue operation. Seeking information about the food items being sent to the trapped workers, he stressed that special focus should also be laid on the quality of the food being sent to them. Mishra also talked to the trapped workers using the audio communication setup and telephone set up at the site. He told the workers to take care of their health and also asked about the food, water and electricity supply. Telling them that rescuers are working hard on multiple options, he assured the trapped workers that attempts are being made to rescue them soon. The principal secretary also talked to the family members of the trapped workers and assured them that the workers will be rescued soon.
It will be recalled that the 41 workers have been trapped in the partially caved-in Silkyara tunnel since November 12.
