The rescue operation to save the lives of 41 workers trapped under the rubble of the Silkyara tunnel is in full swing. State and Central agencies are fervidly carrying out the rescue operation. On November 12, a portion of the 4.5-km tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed, trapping 41 workers under the debris. The tunnel -- meant to join Silkyara and Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi -- is part of the Char Dham project.
Updates:
-A senior official involved in the rescue process said the time from tonight was crucial and some good news is expected in the next 40 hours if everything goes well, ANI reported.
-800 mm-diameter pipes are being pushed through rubble with the telescoping method. Earlier, four 900-mm-diameter pipes of 6 metres each were pushed to 21-22 metres to create an escape for workers. However, they hit an obstacle and the pipes of less diameter are now being used.
- Two tunnels will be drilled horizontally from the right and left sides of the main tunnel, while a vertical shaft will be drilled from the top of the tunnel.
- To maintain the physical and mental health of the trapped workers, they have been advised to engage in physical exercise and maintain regular communication. Psychiatrist Abhishek Sharma advised the men to walk within the 2 km confined area, practice light yoga, and sustain regular conversations among themselves as a means of occupying their time, Reuters reported.
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- Packed food is being sent to the trapped workers through a 6-inch pipeline.
- The IAF on Tuesday flew a further 18 tonnes of load from Rourkela to Dehradun, which would be employed in the rescue process. Specialist equipment has also been flown in from Bengaluru.
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami said the rescue process is at a fast pace and the required equipment has been brought to the site for the operation. He said PM Modi has been actively monitoring the situation.