Efforts to free 41 workers trapped in a highway tunnel in the Indian Himalayas have encountered a new challenge. The heavy drilling machine, which has been working tirelessly to break up nearly 60 meters of rubble, has been damaged and has to be completely removed.
The trapped workers, who are construction workers from some of India’s poorest states, have been stuck in the 4.5 kilometer tunnel in Uttarakhand state since it gave way on November 12 . Despite the difficult circumstances, the authorities have assured us that the workers are safe and secure. have access to light, oxygen, food, water and medicine.
However, the rescue operation has been further complicated by the damaged drilling machine. The machine, known as an auger, was being pulled out of a nearly 150-foot (47-meter) pipe inserted to reach the trapped workers when it hit an obstacle and broke at a joint. Now, the rescue team is considering manually cutting the remaining debris, a task that will require immense effort and time.
The trapped workers have suffered great anxiety and worry as they await their rescue. One of the workers, Birendra Kishku, managed to speak to his sister-in-law, Sunita Hembrom, who shared his concerns about the lack of food. The workers have been surviving on limited rations and their families are understandably concerned for their welfare.
The cause of the tunnel collapse is still unknown, but the region is prone to landslides, earthquakes and floods. In addition, it has been revealed that the tunnel had no emergency exit and was built through a geological fault. This raises serious questions about the safety standards and construction practices employed in this project.
As the rescue operation continues, a second plan to drill vertically from the top of the hill is also underway.
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