‘We’re at doorstep’; Rescue operations in Uttarakhand tunnel in last lap

DEHRADUN: The rescue operations to bring out the workers trapped in the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand for eleven days is in the final stage. A pipe to bring out the workers trapped was pushed through the debris. Many including Union Minister General V K Singh has reached the place.

Arnold Dix, head of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association in Geneva, said rescuers were close to the workers. A team led by Dix arrived for the rescue operation on November 20.

‘It is like we are there at the front door and are knocking on it. We know that the workers are there on the other side. I'm going to have a look and see what is happening,’ said Dix.
Welding experts have been brought from Delhi to speed up the rescue operations. 'We are trying to weld the MS pipe inside the tunnel. Five welders have arrived for that,' said welder Radhe Raman Dubey. Chief scientist and tunnel expert R D Dwivedi from Roorkee has also reached the spot.

Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi said that post-rescue plans have already been set. The workers will be escorted out by the police through the green corridor. It will also ensure that they are given the best possible treatment. It is believed that they will be taken to Chinyalisaur and then to Rishikesh if necessary,' the SP said.

A 41-bed ward has been prepared at Chinyalisaur Community Health Center for the workers. Also 41 ambulances are standing outside the tunnel.

November 12, 5.30 am - Part of Silkyara-Dandalgaon tunnel under construction on Brahmakhal-Yamunotri highway collapsed. 41 workers are trapped. On the same day, the rescue operation started under the leadership of the district administration. Many agencies, including NDRF, had reached for rescue operations. Oxygen and food were also supplied to the workers through pipes. The first pictures of the workers were released yesterday. The pictures of the workers were taken with the help of a camera installed inside the pipe.