Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Operation On Halt As Auger Breaks; Indian Air Force Assistance Sought

In a significant update on the ongoing rescue operation to save 41 trapped workers in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel, Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, a key member of the National Disaster Management Authority of India, revealed that the approach utilizing an auger has encountered unexpected challenges.

The auger, a crucial tool in creating horizontal access to reach the trapped workers, has suffered breakage, leading to a temporary halt in the rescue efforts. Lieutenant General Hasnain expressed the necessity for advanced machinery to cut the stuck parts of the auger within the tunnel, a task for which the assistance of the Indian Air Force is being urgently sought.

Efforts are currently underway to remove the broken parts of the auger inside the tunnel. Specialized cutting machinery is being employed for this purpose, and the process is expected to take some time. Once the broken parts are successfully extracted, the auger machine will be used cautiously, exerting pressure only on the pipe. However, it was emphasized that this approach would result in a slower rescue process compared to the initial pace.

Lieutenant General Hasnain acknowledged the challenges faced by the rescue team but remained optimistic about the ongoing efforts. He assured that every possible measure is being taken to ensure the safety of the trapped workers. The collaboration with the Indian Air Force is seen as a critical step to overcome the current obstacle and expedite the rescue mission.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took stock of the ongoing rescue operation in the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, earlier today.