Rescue Operation to Free Trapped Workers in Uttarkashi Tunnel to Conclude Today, ONGC Director Asserts
As the operation to rescue 41 workers trapped in a collapsed portion of the Uttarkashi tunnel enters its 13th day, the director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) present at the site has expressed confidence that the workers will be rescued by Friday.
ONGC director Sanjay Bhatt stated, “We are hopeful that the rescue operation will be concluded and the workers brought out safely by today. As of now, there is no major hindrance to the operation and everyone is hopeful that the workers will be rescued by this evening.”
Ambulances remained on standby and emergency medical aid was made ready at the other end of the tunnel to provide immediate assistance to the workers once they are brought out safely.
Earlier, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel carried out a demonstration of the movement of stretchers through the pipeline inserted to extricate the trapped workers. The personnel reported that they did not experience breathing problems during the exercise and were able to move comfortably.
However, drilling work at Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel was halted again on Thursday night after the auger machine encountered a technical snag. Bhaskar Khulbe, a former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, explained that a 2-metre part of the inserted pipe had to be cut off due to compression from friction during drilling. The heavy-duty driller also exerted more pressure on Thursday when it encountered an obstruction.
Khulbe revealed, “Last night, we had to revamp the platform on which the machine is mounted. However, a ground penetration radar indicated that there is no metallic obstruction for the next 5 meters inside the tunnel, suggesting that the drilling, once it resumes, should be smooth. During debris removal, two mangled pipes were found.” He added that the trapped workers may be extricated by Friday. (ANI)
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