00:00 As the clock ticks past 70 hours since the collapse of the under construction tunnel
00:06 in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, the dire situation persists with 40 workers still trapped under
00:11 the debris.
00:12 The tunnel caved in following a landslide marking the beginning of a relentless rescue
00:17 effort.
00:18 Efforts have been intensified with assistance sought from Delhi Metro and Indian Railways
00:22 to bolster the rescue mission.
00:24 Unfortunately, on Tuesday, a setback occurred as rubble from a landslide fell onto the collapsed
00:28 section, causing injuries to two rescue workers.
00:32 The current status reveals that debris spanning over 50 metres lies ahead of the trapped workers
00:37 and this section is described as extremely weak.
00:41 The area is cluttered with JCB machines, power generators, construction materials and other
00:46 equipment hindering access to the trapped workers.
00:50 Specialists from Delhi Metro and Indian Railways are actively involved, providing crucial assistance
00:55 and suggestions for the swift extraction of the stranded workers.
00:58 "We have been trying to extract the stranded workers from the tunnel for the past three
01:05 days.
01:06 We are trying to extract them one by one.
01:09 As I briefed you earlier, the nature of the rock here is very fragile.
01:13 The more we try, the more we get out.
01:16 But we are trying to use all possible techniques.
01:19 The latest machine we have ordered has been airlifted from Delhi.
01:23 It will land at the airport in Chinyalisur any time in another one hour.
01:30 We have taken three aircraft.
01:32 The Indian Air Force has helped us with all that.
01:36 They are coming here.
01:38 As soon as they arrive, we are already working on it.
01:42 We are trying to get inside with the MS-5, which is a 800mm diameter.
01:48 But there are some obstacles, so we have ordered the latest machine.
01:52 It will be here in another hour or so.
01:54 I think we will be able to install the machine in three to four hours and start working."
01:59 To expedite the rescue, three special aircraft carrying 25-ton machines are expected to arrive
02:04 by Wednesday evening.
02:06 These machines are crucial for breaking through the debris and facilitating the transport of
02:11 a steel pipe to the other side.
02:13 Rescue teams aim to insert an 800mm steel pipe along the debris for 50 metres, creating
02:20 gases for the trapped labourers.
02:23 "The rescue operation that is going on here is a major part of the Indian government's
02:30 tunneling scheme.
02:31 It is being monitored by the Indian government and the state government as well.
02:37 The update is that a high-capacity drilling machine is needed here.
02:42 The air force aircraft will be able to install the machines here.
02:47 The green corridor has been arranged to transport the machines here as soon as possible.
02:54 The rescue operation is being carried out here.
02:58 It will be a great help to the rescue team."
03:09 Despite setbacks, health concerns have been addressed with the tunnel's length of approximately
03:14 2km, minimising the risk of claustrophobia.
03:18 The trapped workers are supplied with oxygen, food, water and medicines.
03:22 Authorities maintain constant communication with the workers through wireless radios.
03:27 Amid the ongoing crisis, protests erupted outside the tunnel with workers, family members
03:32 and others expressing frustration over the delay in the rescue operation.
03:40 The absence of an alternative plan compounded the distress as machines deployed for drilling
03:44 proved ineffective.
03:46 The situation remains critical and the collaborative efforts of various agencies are pivotal to
03:52 ensure the safe and swift rescue of the trapped workers.
03:56 [Music]
Comments