In Uttarakhand’s Silkyara, 41 workers remain trapped underground, separated by a mere 12 meters of rock and debris. The rescue operation, now in its 11th day, has seen progress as an American-made drill has advanced six more meters into the hillside. Bhaskar Khulbe, Special Officer of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, announced that approximately 67% of the drilling had been completed, and more developments were expected by 11:30 pm.
Mahmood Ahmed from Uttarakhand’s Road and Transport Department shared that the auger had drilled 18 meters, leaving 18 more meters to reach the estimated depth of 57 meters where the workers are trapped. The welding of pipes for an escape route is identified as the most time-consuming process, taking almost 15 hours to send 18 meters of pipes in three sections.
Efforts have faced challenges, including the narrow road hindering machinery movement and breakdowns of heavy-drilling machines. Despite setbacks, officials are optimistic, noting that if no obstacles arise, significant progress may be achieved soon.
The rescue involves multiple government agencies, including the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, with specific goals such as drilling vertically for an alternative escape route. Preparations for blasting and drilling from the far end of the tunnel and a risky vertical shaft above are also underway.
Rescuers have drilled smaller holes to provide essentials to the trapped workers, and a recent endoscopy camera captured images of the workers in their confined space. The rescue timeline remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 60 hours to 15 days.
The workers, trapped since November 12, received their first solid food in over a week, with rescuers supplying items like vegetable pulao through smaller pipes. Despite challenges, there’s sufficient water, oxygen, and electricity for the workers if the rescue extends into a second week, providing hope for a safe resolution.
