A sense of urgency envelops the rescue and relief efforts at the Silkyara Tunnel, located on the Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road, where a portion of the tunnel collapsed, trapping approximately 40 laborers. With communication now established and relief operations in full swing, the focus is on ensuring the safety of those caught in the debris.
Ranveer Singh Chauhan, a member of the Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD), reported that the rescue team has successfully communicated with the trapped workers. This breakthrough has injected renewed energy into the ongoing efforts to extract those stuck inside.
Mritunjay Kumar, a loader operator involved in the rescue operations, provided insights into the strategies employed. Debris removal, or “mucking,” is underway using heavy machinery like loaders and excavators. The collapsed section spans approximately 30-35 meters, and the rescue team is working diligently to ensure the safety of everyone trapped.
The collapse occurred between 6 and 7 am, with a part of the under-construction tunnel giving way. The affected section, about 200 meters from the starting point on the Silkyara side of Brahmakhal-Polgaon, posed a formidable challenge for the rescue teams.
Initially estimated at 36, the number of trapped laborers was later confirmed to be 40. Hailing from various states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, these workers are the focal point of the ongoing rescue operations.
Ensuring the trapped laborers have a steady supply of oxygen is a critical aspect of the rescue efforts. Oxygen is being pumped into the collapsed section through a water pipe to alleviate any breathing difficulties, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to the safety and well-being of those inside.
A multi-agency response is evident in the rescue operations. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Border Roads Organisation, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police are working collaboratively under challenging circumstances to expedite the rescue mission.
As the race against time continues, the collaborative efforts of rescue teams, aided by heavy machinery and strategic planning, offer hope for the trapped laborers. The incident underscores the challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure projects and emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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