Uttarkashi, 27 November: Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today inspected the rescue operation being carried out to save 41 workers trapped inside under construction in Silkyara Tunnel, Uttarkashi.
Mishra also talked to the workers. During this time, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu was also present.
Meanwhile, the battle to save 41 lives is underway for the last 16 days in the under construction Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi. The army has taken charge from Monday. Vertical drilling 31 meters in the tunnel has been completed. Manual digging has also started in the tunnel.
The Meteorological Department has predicted light rain in Uttarakhand but it will not have any impact on the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Silkyara, Uttarkashi. This is according to Lieutenant General (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Hasnain told a press conference here on Monday that various agencies are working at the rescue site. The government is committed to providing all kinds of assistance. Work of 900 mm pipeline is going on under Plan-1. Plan-2 Drilling is being done from above. 30 to 32 meters of vertical drilling has been completed. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami is also keeping a close eye on the situation.
He said that the broken blades of the auger of the auger machine have been completely removed. There were some obstacles in retrieving the broken part but the damage has been repaired. Now, manual techniques will be used till tonight with the help of engineers, miners and other technicians from the Indian Army.
NDMA member said that the situation is under control. As per requirement, food and medicines are being delivered to the people trapped inside. Psychological aspects have also been given importance. Backup communications have been established.
