Friday, 24 November 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The rescuers have drilled more than 45 metres through the debris which have trapped 41 workers in the Silkyara tunnel since November 12. A breakthrough is expected by Friday if all goes as planned. The authorities state that their priority is to carry out the drilling swiftly while also observing utmost care. Earlier, the drilling machine encountered a metal girder among the debris which halted the work for some time late on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Authority member lieutenant general (retd) SA Hasnain told media persons on Thursday that if all goes well, good news could be received by midday on Friday.
Secretary Neeraj Khairwal informed the media at Silkyara that 45 metres drilling has been completed through the debris in the tunnel. The drilling was hampered when bits of metal roads in the debris got stuck in the drilling machine. Late on Wednesday night, two workers- Pradeep Yadav and Balvinder got into the pipe and cut the bits of metal stuck in the machine.
Khairwal further informed that the drilling work is being undertaken with considerable care. The machine was installed again and the drilling was resumed, after which about 1.8 metres further drilling was carried out. Special care is being taken for drilling further. Drilling swiftly while observing utmost care is the priority of the authorities, the secretary added.
Officials have stated that the efforts being made to rescue the trapped workers through an escape tunnel built using metal pipes through the debris is the quickest way to rescue them. At the same time, other efforts to reach them have also continued. Hasnain said that efforts are underway for opening the tunnel from the Badkot side. Officials said that rescuers are also ready to start vertical drilling to execute the alternative plan.
Meanwhile, the authorities have made all necessary arrangements to provide all the required medical attention to the 41 workers once they are rescued. Ambulances have been brought to the site the arrangements have been made at Chinyalisaur to provide primary treatment to the workers after the rescue.
