Introduction:
As the first of the 41 workers emerged from the depths of the collapsed tunnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi closely monitored and witnessed the entire evacuation process in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. At 05:30 IST on November 12, 2023, a section of the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel, which was under construction to connect National Highway 134 in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India, collapsed, trapping 41 workers inside.
Immediate response efforts were launched, involving various government entities such as the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Uttarakhand Police, engineers from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, and Project Shivalik of the Border Roads Organisation. Additionally, private resources, including the expertise of Australian tunneling experts Arnold Dix and Chris Cooper, were enlisted to aid in the rescue operations.
How did the tunnel collapse?
At approximately 05:30 on November 12, 2023, a section of the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel, still in the construction phase, collapsed about 200 meters (660 feet) from its entrance. This event led to the confinement of 41 construction workers.
Subsequently, a team of geologists from the Uttarakhand state government and educational institutions was deployed to examine the root cause of the incident. Investigators observed that the tunnel, situated within a geological fault, lacked emergency escape shafts.
The Rescue Op:
The state government, under the banner of Operation Zindagi, orchestrated the rescue mission for the 41 trapped workers in the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel collapse. Initiated promptly, the operation employed two tunnel boring machines with auger bits. Recognizing the need for swifter progress, a second machine, transported in three parts, was introduced. Seeking expertise, the rescue team reached out to the unit that successfully dealt with the 2018 Tham Luang cave incident in Thailand.
Drilling through the tunnel debris paused on November 17 due to detected cracking sounds. Responding to this, the team shifted focus to constructing alternative access tunnels parallel to the main one. Three pipes were drilled for oxygen supply, food passage, and the delivery of hot meals and an endoscopic camera insertion. On November 19, the Border Roads Organisation constructed a 1.15-kilometer road to a hillock above the tunnel, anticipating a vertical rescue.
A setback occurred on November 25 when the tunnel boring machine, after drilling 47 meters, broke and got stuck. The team, led by Australian tunneling expert Arnold Dix, opted for manual tools like hammers and chisels to clear debris, believing a breakthrough was approximately 9 meters away.
Alternative access methods intensified on November 27, including Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam's vertical drilling at the Silkyara end and Rail Vikas Nigam laying a third pipeline. At the Barkot end, THDC India Limited successfully drilled to 12 meters, while Oil and Natural Gas Corporation prepared for vertical drilling. On November 28, manual efforts by "rat-hole" miners broke through the remaining debris, allowing a pipe to reach the trapped workers. The rescue team evacuated the workers individually on stretchers throughout the day.
The Uttarakhand Government confirmed the successful rescue of all 41 workers on the same day. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways V. K. Singh welcomed the workers at the site. The workers, in good health, were transported to a Chinyalisaur medical facility for initial assessment, utilizing 41 ambulances. On November 29, the rescued workers were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh via an Indian Air Force CH-47 Chinook helicopter for further assessment.
Prime Minister's Emotional Involvement:
The rescue operation, which unfolded late on Tuesday night, captured the attention of the nation, as the Prime Minister, along with the entire cabinet, watched the events unfold live on television. Sources reveal that PM Modi became visibly emotional as the trapped workers were safely evacuated from the tunnel. Union Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted the Prime Minister's emotional state during the workers' emergence.
"I want to say to friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience are an inspiration to everyone," he said in a post on X. Praising the efforts of the rescue workers, he wrote that they set an ‘amazing example of humanity and teamwork.’
PM Modi, commending the teamwork and dedication involved in the rescue mission, also spoke to the rescued workers over the phone. He expressed admiration for their courage and patience, wishing them good health and well-being. The Prime Minister emphasized the exemplary example of humanity and teamwork demonstrated in the successful operation.
Government's Commitment and Support:
Chief Minister Dhami, appreciating the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, thanked PM Modi for his constant support and motivation. He announced a financial aid of Rs 1 lakh for each of the 41 construction workers and highlighted the Union government's decision to conduct a safety audit of under-construction tunnels in the hill state.
Conclusion:
The rescue operation in Uttarakhand stands as a testament to the resilience, determination, and collaborative efforts of the government, rescue teams, and the nation. The emotional involvement of Prime Minister Modi and the successful outcome of the operation underscore the value of human life and the commitment to ensuring the well-being of citizens.
As the nation celebrates the safe rescue of the trapped workers, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures and continuous monitoring in such endeavors.
留言