On November 13, 2023, a portion of a tunnel under construction in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India, collapsed, trapping 41 workers inside. Rescue operations have been ongoing since then, and authorities have now finalized a 5-option action plan to rescue the trapped workers.
The Collapse
The collapse occurred at around 1:30 pm on November 13, 2023. The tunnel is part of a larger project to connect the towns of Uttarkashi and Barkot. The collapse is believed to have been caused by loose soil and heavy rains.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations began immediately after the collapse. A team of over 300 rescuers, including NDRF and SDRF personnel, have been working around the clock to reach the trapped workers.
The 5-Option Action Plan
The 5-option action plan to rescue the trapped workers includes:
- Option 1: Drilling a vertical shaft from the top of the hill.
- Option 2: Horizontal drilling from the mouth of the tunnel.
- Option 3: Cutting a tunnel through the collapsed portion of the tunnel.
- Option 4: Creating a diversion tunnel.
- Option 5: Using a robotic arm to reach the trapped workers.
The authorities are currently evaluating the feasibility of each option and will choose the one that is most likely to be successful.
Challenges
The rescue operation is facing a number of challenges, including:
- The depth of the tunnel.
- The instability of the collapsed portion of the tunnel.
- The lack of oxygen inside the tunnel.
Hope for the Trapped Workers
Despite the challenges, there is still hope for the trapped workers. Rescue workers have been able to communicate with the workers and have provided them with food and water. The workers are reportedly in good spirits and are hopeful of being rescued.
