Breakthrough in the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operations; first visuals of trapped workers inside surface providing hope amid ongoing efforts

In a major breakthrough in the ongoing rescue efforts, visuals surfaced on Tuesday morning, providing a first glimpse of the laborers trapped within the collapsed Silkyara tunnel situated in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The visuals were captured by an endoscopic camera sent in through a 6-inch pipeline.

The endoscopic camera inserted via the alternate six-inch food pipeline showed visuals of trapped workers clad in yellow and white hard helmets. The video captures the workers receiving food items through the pipeline and engaging in conversations with one another.

“First achievement, big achievement. The next step is the more vital one and the most important – that’s to get them out intact, happy,” said Col Deepak Patil.

The visuals of the 41 trapped workers inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi for the past 10 days, has given hope to the anxious families, some of whom are waiting outside the collapsed tunnel awaiting their loved ones.

This comes a day after a critical advancement wherein the ongoing rescue operations effectively navigated an alternate six-inch-wide pipeline through the wreckage of the Silkyara tunnel. The alternate pipe pushed in on Monday will enable the efficient transportation of larger quantities of food and other amenities to the 41 workers who have been trapped within the tunnel debris for over 9 days.

As a part of the rescue operations, the Indian Air Force deployed the C-17 and C-130 J Super Hercules transport aircraft to airlift essential equipment to the location of the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

The under-construction tunnel, a part of the Char Dham Project, and infrastructural upgrade aimed to facilitate hassle-free commute between the Hindu pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, collapsed on November 12 trapping 41 workers in the debris.

Previously, the central government rolled out a 5 option action plan for the speedy evacuation of those trapped inside. The 5 option action plan entails operations carried out by 5 different agencies that include drilling the tunnel from 3 fronts to get to the workers. This plan was drafted by the authorities after a comprehensive discussion with the experts, exploring all viable options to get to the trapped workers at the earliest. "Five options were decided and five different agencies were detailed to carry out these options. Five agencies namely Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited(RVNL), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL) have been assigned responsibilities," said Anurag Jain, Transport and Highways Secretary. He further added that this decision has been taken to save ‘precious lives.’ The Border Roads Organization and the construction wing of the Indian Army have been working in tandem and cooperating with the rescue efforts.

Drones and robotic technology from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have been deployed at the accident site to explore potential alternative escape routes for the men currently trapped inside. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in talks with the CM of Uttarakhand and has taken stock of the current situation on the ground, informed the CM’s Office.

A tunnel safety specialist from Australia was brought in by the government on Monday. Arnold Dix, the president of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, arrived at the location to boost the confidence of the rescue teams. "We are going to get these men out. Great work is being done. Our whole team is here and we are going to find a solution and get them out," said Dix. The Australian specialist also highlighted the importance of keeping the rescuers safe, emphasizing the need to carefully analyze the mountain and tunnel to prevent any potential risks or dangers. "It is important that not only the men (to be) rescued but also the men who are rescuing are safe. The team here is fantastic; the plans are looking fantastic. The work is very systematic," he added.