Uttarkashi tunnel rescue mission: Robots to be deployed, another life support pipe to be inserted

Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha has said that the rescue operation has now been intensified from many places simultaneously in the Uttarkashi tunnel accident. To save the workers, robots will be deployed so that they can inspect the space between the roof of the tunnel and the debris. Along with this, another life support pipe is being inserted. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, along with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, reached the site of the tunnel collapse to inspect the relief and rescue operations being carried out in the Silkyara Tunnel. He has taken many decisions while meeting with officers.

Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that ‘We are laying 900 mm diameter pipe with the help of auger machine. We have reached 22 meters and are moving fast. Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that robots will be deployed to inspect the space between the tunnel roof and the debris so that another pipeline can be inserted to save lives. Additionally, if there is enough space, it can be used to evacuate workers safely.’

Another life support pipe very soon

The official said that ‘at present there is only one lifeline pipe to send food and other essential goods. We are putting another pipe on top of it because there was less debris there. There we have gone 42 meters and only a few meters are left. When it is ready, we will have another pipe for life support.’ He said that many agencies are working. Side tunnels are to be constructed on both sides of the main tunnel by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), which is currently taking measurements for the same. The work is to be started with vertical drilling from above on the Barkot side of the tunnel.