Rescue operation in Uttarakhand Tunnel faces new setback as drilling halts again

The rescue efforts to evacuate the 41 trapped workers in the collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, hit a snag on Friday evening as drilling was once again brought to a halt after the auger machine hit the metallic object.

On Friday evening, the auger machine came across a metallic object. A day prior, the machine's blades had struck a pipe, leading to a 24-hour pause in drilling before it resumed, only hitting another snag. "The auger machine has encountered some difficulty again and that's why it's being dismantled. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to get to the trapped workers manually. We are analyzing the debris and trying to figure this out," informed a ground official. In the absence of the auger machine, several other options are being looked into to continue with the rescue operations.

41 construction workers have been trapped in the debris for over 13 days. In the meantime, the medical fraternity has flagged several concerns pertaining to the overall well-being of those trapped inside. A comprehensive physical and mental rehabilitation program has been designed.

Meanwhile, according to officials, the workers are mentally stable and physically fit despite being trapped for 13 days. "They are adequately clothed and when we speak to them, they say they will walk out on their own. That's the kind of mental strength they have,” said an official talking about the current state of the workers inside. "The labourers are being given cut fruits, hot chapatis, daal and sabzi. These are being pushed through pipes in bottles," he added.

The families of the trapped workers have been camping outside the tunnel, urging for the speedy recovery of their loved ones. The laborers have been able to communicate with their family members, pacifying the soaring apprehension among the family members.

An elaborate post-revival plan has been drawn by the forces and the Uttarakhand authorities. "Our post-rescue action plan is ready. We have prepared the final details about where to take them (rescued workers), and how to take them. We will have a green corridor in place for their movement," said Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi. 41 ambulances have been brought to the tunnel and the trapped workers, once rescued will be immediately sent to a make-shift hospital in Chinyalisour where they will undergo thorough medical examinations.​