Removal of debris from the tunnel of Tapovan project site remains a challenge after the disaster in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The combined effort of the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF was able to clear 150 meters inside the tunnel till Tuesday evening. Here, over 30 lives are still at stake after 180 meters of the tunnel. The Tapovan project has two tunnels. The two km long main tunnel is completely closed. Its mouth is also completely buried under debris. A second tunnel 180 meters long is connected to the main tunnel.
Efforts are on to open the path through this tunnel. Along with this second tunnel is a 450 meter long tributary tunnel, where about 30 laborers are likely to be stranded. While five laborers are stranded in a two-km long main tunnel. But till Tuesday evening, the members of the rescue team are able to go up to 150 meters, in which JCB has reached 120 meters. According to SDRF commandant Navneet Bhullar, who is leading the rescue operation, debris is coming from behind as fast as cleaning is going on.
This is the reason that the tunnel was opened up to 70 meters on the very first day of the incident, while the total of the remaining two days, only 80 meters more could be cleared. Jawans are making way by laying wooden boards. Navy team also waiting. By Tuesday evening, a 16-member team of Navy trained divers has reached Tapovan from Delhi. But due to debris in the tunnel, the team could not help. The team has brought special equipment capable of carrying out deep water operations. Air Force special aircraft took flight Several times a day on Tuesday, the Air Force’s Mi 17 helicopter flew into Tapovan. For a long time, the helicopter was also monitored with special geological survey equipment.