Uttarkashi: Work is proceeding on a war footing to extract 41 workers trapped within the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, a section of which collapsed on 12 November .
Rescue operations continue amid various hurdles — drilling machines breaking down, waiting for replacements, more rubble falling. Meanwhile, after nearly a week of being able to send in only dry fruits, freshly cooked khichdi and dal were packed and finally sent in for the trapped men Monday.
The Silkyara Tunnel is part of the central government’s ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project and aims to reduce the distance from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri by approximately 25 km.
Speaking exclusively to ThePrint at the rescue site Monday, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela said it was difficult to specify what led to the collapse of the tunnel. He also spoke about possible faults in the tunnel, challenges of working in the Himalayan region and the rescue operation. Edited excerpts:
What could have caused the collapse of the tunnel?
There is no specific reason and the cause is not even being investigated as of now because the focus of the state machinery is on rescue work. Until we look into the collapse after the rescue mission is completed, it will be difficult to say anything.
What’s the current status of the rescue work?
The rescue operation started immediately after the collapse, as soon as the district administration got information. Within the span of an hour, our entire machinery, the state disaster response force, national disaster response force, the police and district administration had all reached here. Since then, this rescue operation has been going on. Different solutions are constantly being found. It is proving to be challenging work, and we were not successful in the initial phase. But now, with the opinion of experts, we have shortlisted some options and are working on them.
Also read: Uttarkashi rescue work: 2nd pipe installed to deliver food & medicines, ‘6 plans in progress’
Were there any lapses on the part of Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd, which is building the tunnel on behalf of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), or other stakeholders?
I can’t give any statement about possible mistakes right now because the investigation is not yet complete. I am saying again that we are committed to rescuing the people who are trapped inside, the rescue mission is on and we are working as a team. And not only NHIDCL, but other agencies are also involved in this operation. They are giving their inputs and helping in the rescue.
What precautions have been taken to ensure that the geophysical aspects of the Garhwal Himalayas remain intact?
The Garhwal and Himalayan regions have sensitive terrain. The strata of soil and stones have variations, which leads to challenges. Somewhere we have to accept that this is an ecologically sensitive area and all these factors are taken into consideration during projects. Geophysical investigations are done and safeguards are put in place when such mega projects are undertaken, but sometimes mishaps do occur. We are here to deal with such incidents and we are bringing in all the experts needed for this mission.
Movement of resources is taking place and a lot of goods have been airlifted. The government is leaving no stone unturned. The CM (Pushkar Singh Dhami) has also been inspecting the situation and has given instructions to do this work technically and safely soon. Senior officers and rank-level officers have visited and secretary-rank officers are stationed here.
What’s delaying the extraction of the men trapped inside?
It is not known in advance how much time will be taken to overcome any kind of disaster. We can only try to reduce the response time. Secondly, we have to bring the resources or equipment needed for a quick response and follow the best advice. We are hoping that all of these things happen soon, so we can quickly extricate the workers and reunite them with their families.
How is the state handling communication with the workers’ families?
First of all, the families of the workers were contacted by the state as well as the central government. Not everyone’s numbers were available on the very first day, and it took time to contact the administration and get those. The good thing was that all states had appointed nodal officers, some of whom had also visited the site, and we got help from them in talking to the workers in their local language, which boosted their morale. The message of their well-being was conveyed to their family members.
The district administration has deployed officers to be in touch with the families who have come here. I have also met them. The state secretary has also spoken to them and all their needs are being taken care of. We are trying to explain to them that they have to remain strong, and their confidence will be beneficial so that others get strength.
What is the status of the health of the workers?
There is a temporary clinic here. Services are also being provided to the people engaged in the rescue mission and we are able to get the workers to talk to the doctors posted here. Doctors are also called according to the requirements and if any disease is reported, then medical assistance and guidance is given to the workers.
Why is the Char Dham project so important that the work has continued despite warnings by environmentalists and geologists? Were there any exit points which are usually present in every tunnel?
This is for the designers to decide. Technical decisions are taken after a lot of studies. There are experts involved too. Sometimes developmental work cannot be stopped due to an accident and the people here also have needs. Uttarkashi being a border district (to China) has its own challenges. So, keeping all these things in mind, decisions are taken at a very high-level and I don’t think we are wise enough to question them.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)