Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: International Experts Called In As Rescue Ops Cross A Week

After a week of efforts, 41 labourers are still trapped in Uttarkashi as authorities plan to rescue them. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi dialed CM Dhami to inquire about the situation.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: The efforts to rescue 41 trapped labourers in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi have completed one week as authorities continue to devise a strategy to save them. Meanwhile,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and sought information about the relief and rescue operations, the Chief Minister's Office said.

The statement from the office said, "PM Modi said that necessary rescue equipment and resources are being provided by the Central Government. The workers will be evacuated safely with mutual coordination between central and state agencies. There is a need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers."

President of International Tunneling Underground Space Professor, Arnold Dix and heavy machines on Monday arrived at Silkyara tunnel as a rescue operation to bring out the stranded victims is underway.

"We are going to get those men out. Great work is being done here. Our whole team is here and we are going to find a solution and get them out. A lot of work is being done here. It is important that not only the men rescued but also the men who are rescuing are safe. The whole world is helping. The team here is fantastic. The plans are looking fantastic. The work is very systematic. The food and the medication are being provided properly..." Arnold Dix said.

The officials have laid a 6-inch pipeline for around 40 meters in order to deliver food and water to the workers trapped in the tunnel.

On Sunday, rescue efforts were halted as the agencies prepared for the next stage, which would include using different ways to reach the 41 men, news agency PTI reported.

Officials claimed that a road to the top of the hill was built in a single day to construct a vertical shaft down into the tunnel. Apart from this, the Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation planned to start "micro tunnelling" Sunday night from the Barkot end of the Char Dham route's under-construction tunnel, a portion of which collapsed on November 12.

Road, Transport and Highways Secretary Anurag Jain earlier said that the government is committed to rescuing all the labourers safely and it is sending multivitamins, antidepressants and dried fruits to the workers.

"Five options were decided and five different agencies were detailed to carry out these options. 5 agencies namely Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited(RVNL), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL) have been assigned responsibilities," he said, as quoted by PTI.