Manual drilling to be used for Rat hole mining in Uttarakhand tunnel rescue operation to clear debris.

In a bid to enhance rescue operations in Uttarkashi, a rat hole mining technique will be utilized to manually drill and remove debris inside the pipe at the Silkyara tunnel.

A team of 6 specialists, including engineers from the Indian Army’s Madras Engineering Group and civilians, have arrived to undertake the manual drilling work. Equipped with essential tools and a life support oxygen device, the team is prepared for the challenging task.

The auger machine that was stuck inside the pipe has been removed, while rat miners, known for their expertise in manual digging and drilling, will remove the debris accumulated at the mouth of the tunnel.

Despite being a challenging operation, the army has mobilized personnel and equipment, including steel frames, to expedite the rescue operations. As of now, over 35 metres of vertical drilling work has been completed in efforts to reach the trapped workers.

SJVN, a public sector undertaking company, has initiated vertical drilling work to aid in the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, multiple agencies are also working on alternative access routes and building a mini tunnel perpendicular to the Silkyara tunnel.

The rescue efforts were prompted when a portion of the tunnel collapsed, trapping 41 laborers inside on November 12. With various strategies in place and dedicated personnel on the ground, officials remain hopeful that the operation will yield positive results.