Australian Expert Arnold Dix Hailed For Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Op. All About Him
Arnold Dix joined the rescue operation to evacuate the 41 trapped workers on November 20.
International tunnelling expert Arnold Dix grabbed attention he was roped in to join the rescue operation to evacuate the 41 trapped workers inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. The Australian expert was hailed by the people for his efforts during the operation which lasted for 17 days.
Dix joined the rescue operation last week, which ended on Tuesday evening with all the workers being successfully pulled out from the site on November 20. Earlier, Arnold Dix had said that there was no chance of a collapse in the area where the incident happened, and he also called for an investigation into the matter.
"It may have been an unusual situation occurring here where the class of rock changes. It has to be investigated. The area that collapsed hasn't collapsed before; it wasn't even given any clue that it was going to collapse before. So, it is a part of the challenge for us—what is it about the ground here, this mountain that caught us on the backfoot" he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Who Is Arnold Dix?
Widely recognised as the world’s leading expert on underground tunnelling, Arnold Dix is the Australian president of the 79-nation International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association in Switzerland.
In his career that spans over three decades, Dix has dealt with matters pertaining to unique hybrid of engineering, geology, law and risk management. The tunnelling expert has a Science and Law Degree from Monash University, Melbourne.
According to his official website, Arnold give advise on the peculiar risks associated with underground construction from geotechnical investigations. He also provides assistance in selection of the best techniques and equipment and helps in selecting the most appropriate contractual arrangements, fire and life safety and dispute resolution mechanisms.
In 2008, Dix was invited by the British Tunnelling Society to deliver the prestigious bi-annual Harding Lecture on contemporary world tunnelling issues. He was also invited by the European Parliament's STOA (tunnel safety committee) as a subject matter expert to give evidence on tunnel safety matters (Brussels) at the EU Parliament.
In 2011, Arnold received the highestf honour for tunnelling professionals in Australia. The United States invited Dix to serve on the prestigious US National Fire Protections Underground Road and Rail Committees (130 and 502), which determine the safety standards for a large proportion of the world’s underground road and rail systems.
‘Only Australian who Gave Good News’: Internet Praises Arnold Dix
The nation exhaled a sigh of relief after the 41 workers were rescued following the rigorous operation. The users on X hailed the rescue operation and praised Arnold Dix for his assistance in ensuring the rescue operations concluded successfully.
A user on X drew parallels with India’s heart breaking loss at ICC Cricket World Cup final and said, “He is the only Australian who gave us good news this November”.
He is tha only Australian who gave us good news this November. #UttarkashiRescue pic.twitter.com/6zsrJ3v1st
— Rupesh Jaiswal (@Rupeshjaiswal02) November 28, 2023
Another user, showcased his admiration and said, “Should we bow him? Yes he is a King”.
He is tha only Australian who gave us good news this November. #UttarkashiRescue pic.twitter.com/6zsrJ3v1st
— Rupesh Jaiswal (@Rupeshjaiswal02) November 28, 2023
"- Wasnt his country - Weren't his people - Wasnt his job But Australian Arnold Dix, President of the Internation tunneling association rushed to India, worked 24/7 to spearhead the rescue operation in challenging conditions at this age. He treated those stuck workers like they are his own sons, kept talking to them, reassuring them. Prayed with the locals for them. Heroes are built different," a user wrote.
- Wasnt his country
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) November 28, 2023
- Weren't his people
- Wasnt his job
But Australian Arnold Dix, President of the Internation tunneling association rushed to India, worked 24/7 to spearhead the rescue operation in challenging conditions at this age.
He treated those stuck workers like they… pic.twitter.com/pORO5opgD0
A user wrote, "Salute to ArnoldDix".
Salute to ArnoldDix #UttarakhandTunnelRescue pic.twitter.com/sjX7snL3JM
— narsa. (@rathor7_) November 28, 2023
Arnold Dix Offered Prayers
On Tuesday morning, Dix was seen offering prayers at a temple outside Silkyara tunnel for the safety of trapped workers.
VIDEO | Uttarkarshi tunnel collapse UPDATE: International tunneling expert Arnold Dix offered prayers at a temple outside Silkyara tunnel for safety of trapped workers earlier today.#UttarakhandTunnelRescue pic.twitter.com/FFz0H1Z9n2
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 28, 2023
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