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On the fateful morning of 12th November 2023, a catastrophic incident unfolded in the picturesque region of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India. A portion of the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel, a critical component of the Char Dham all-weather road project, collapsed during construction, trapping 41 workers within its depths. This article delves into the intricate details of the incident, the subsequent rescue operations, and the collaborative efforts that culminated in the successful extraction of those trapped.
Construction Details
Construction Progress and Significance
Before the collapse, the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel, stretching over 4.5 kilometers, was a project undertaken by Navayuga Engineering Construction Limited (NECL) under the aegis of the (NHIDCL). The tunnel’s strategic location on National Highway 134 was part of the larger Char Dham project, aiming to enhance connectivity to the sacred pilgrimage sites of Dharasu and Yamunotri, reducing the travel route by a substantial 20 kilometers.
The construction was progressing steadily, with the anticipation of not only improving transportation infrastructure but also fostering economic development and facilitating pilgrimage to the revered sites in the region.
Tunnel Collapse
At approximately 05:30 IST on 12 November 2023, a section of the tunnel collapsed about 200 meters from the entrance, entrapping 41 construction workers. The incident shed light on the geological challenges inherent in the region, with the tunnel being constructed in an extremely weak rock mass consisting of meta-siltstone and phyllites. The proximity to the main central thrust of the Himalayas, a major geological fault and shear zone, added complexity to the construction endeavor.
The Border Roads Organisation highlighted that the tunnel’s location, nestled in a fragile rock mass, exacerbated by the geological fault, contributed significantly to the collapse. The lack of escape shafts further compounded the challenges, raising questions about the overall safety measures employed during the construction.
The Rescue Operation
Launching Operation Zindagi
The state government swiftly launched “Operation Zindagi” (meaning “life” in Hindi) to save the trapped workers. This operation involved a coordinated effort from various government agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Uttarakhand Police, and engineers from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers. Furthermore, Project Shivalik of the Border Roads Organisation played a crucial role in these initial stages.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The collaborative efforts extended beyond government agencies. Australian tunnelling experts, Arnold Dix and Chris Cooper, brought their international expertise to the rescue efforts. Their involvement showcased the global collaboration required to tackle such complex challenges.
Technological Hurdles
The rescue operation faced its share of technological hurdles. By 16 November, two tunnel boring machines were deployed in an attempt to expedite the rescue efforts. However, the progress of the first machine was insufficiently speedy, necessitating the flying in of a second machine with an auger bit. These machines, while efficient in drilling, also brought technical glitches, as evidenced by cracking sounds during the drilling process.
Innovative Solutions
To counteract setbacks, the rescue team adopted innovative solutions. Recognizing the need for alternative access, parallel drilling operations commenced adjacent to the existing main tunnel. Three pipes were drilled during this operation – one providing oxygen, another facilitating the passage for food, and a third, a 15-centimetre-wide pipe, used to supply hot meals and insert an endoscopic camera for surveillance.
On 19 November, recognizing the need for improved surface access, the Border Roads Organisation constructed a 1.15 kilometers road to a hillock above the tunnel, preparing for vertical approaches.
Aftermath
Medical Assessment and Psychological Support
On 28 November, “rat-hole” miners, part of the rescue team, working manually, successfully broke through the remaining debris, pushing a pipe to the trapped workers. Evacuation ensued, with the rescue team painstakingly evacuating the workers one by one on stretchers throughout the day.
Later that evening, around 20:50 IST, the Government of Uttarakhand confirmed that all 41 workers had been successfully rescued. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Minister of State of Road Transport and Highways, V. K. Singh, were present at the site, welcoming the rescued workers.
The rescued workers, reported to be in good health, were transported to a medical facility in Chinyalisaur for an initial assessment. Notably, 41 ambulances were arranged, underscoring the comprehensive approach to addressing the immediate health needs of the individuals.
On 29 November, the 41 rescued workers were airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh aboard an Indian Air Force CH-47 Chinook helicopter for further assessment. The medical assessment extended beyond physical well-being, encompassing psychological support to address the potential trauma resulting from the ordeal.
Ensuring Future Safety
The government of Uttarakhand established a six-member expert committee to investigate the cause of the tunnel collapse. Led by the director of the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, this committee aimed not only to identify the immediate cause but also to formulate recommendations to enhance safety protocols in tunnel construction.
Simultaneously, on 22 November, the National Highways Authority of India announced a comprehensive safety audit. This audit encompassed all 29 tunnels currently under construction across the country, with the participation of a team of tunnelling experts from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
The dual-pronged approach of a specific investigation into the Uttarakhand incident and a broader safety audit demonstrated a commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future. This proactive stance recognized the importance of robust safety measures in infrastructure development.
International Recognition and Reaction
The successful rescue operation garnered international recognition and appreciation. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed relief for the successful rescue and extended their wishes for the workers’ good health. The Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Indian agencies for evacuating the trapped workers. They also acknowledged the efforts made by Arnold Dix for providing technical expertise crucial to the operation.
The diplomatic appreciation highlighted the collaborative nature of global responses to crises. It showcased how expertise from different corners of the world could come together to address challenges that transcend borders.
Conclusion
The 2023 Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in the face of adversity. While the incident exposed the challenges inherent in tunnel construction, the successful rescue underscored the resilience and determination of the rescue teams involved. It also emphasized the importance of global cooperation, with experts from Australia contributing to the technical aspects of the operation.
The lessons learned from this incident are pivotal for improving safety standards not only in tunnel construction but in infrastructure development globally. The commitment to thorough investigations and safety audits reflects a proactive approach to preventing future incidents. As India and the world move forward, the experience of the Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue serves as a beacon for informed, collaborative, and resilient approaches to infrastructure challenges.
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