Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Five-Option Action Plan Unveiled for Trapped Workers’ Rescue

In an intensive effort to rescue the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi for the eighth consecutive day, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Anurag Jain, outlined a comprehensive five-option action plan. The decision to adopt this multifaceted approach was explained today as multiple agencies were mobilized to expedite the rescue mission.

Key Points:

1. Collapse Incident and Immediate Response:
   • On November 12, 2023, a tunnel collapse occurred in the under-construction Silkyara to Barkot tunnel.
   • The State Government and the Government of India immediately mobilized resources for the rescue of the trapped laborers.
2. Evolution of Rescue Strategy:
   • Initially, a 900 mm pipe was laid through the muck as the quickest solution, based on expert advice.
   • However, on November 17, due to ground movement, this option was deemed unsafe without securing the structure.
   • A decision was made to simultaneously pursue five different rescue options to expedite the workers’ rescue.
3. Five-Option Action Plan and Agencies Involved:
   • Five agencies, namely ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL, were assigned specific responsibilities for each rescue option.
4. Situation Inside the Tunnel:
   • The trapped workers are in a built-up portion of the tunnel, 8.5 meters high and 2 kilometers long, where concreting work has been completed, ensuring safety.
   • Electricity and water are available in this section.
5. Food and Essential Supplies:
   • Workers are provided with food items, including channa, murmure, dry fruits, and medicines, through a 4-inch compressor pipeline.
   • NHIDCL is creating an additional 6-inch pipeline to facilitate the delivery of more food items.
6. Agency-Specific Initiatives:
   • RVNL is working on a vertical pipeline for essential supplies.
   • NHIDCL continues drilling from the Silkyara end with Army-prepared safety arrangements.
   • THDC starts micro tunneling from the Barkot end.
   • SJVNL mobilizes equipment from Gujarat and Odisha for vertical drilling.
   • ONGC initiates initial work for vertical drilling from the Barkot end.
7. Commitment to Rescue:
   • The government remains committed to safely rescuing all trapped laborers.

This detailed action plan aims to leverage multiple fronts and expertise to expedite the rescue of the trapped workers in the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse.