41 workers in India are stuck in a tunnel for an 8th day. Officials consider alternate rescue plans
Nov 19, 2023
Officials trying to save 41 workers who have been trapped in a collapsed tunnel in northern India for eight days are contemplating alternative rescue plans after snags with a drilling machine caused them to halt digging
LUCKNOW, India (AP) — Officials trying to reach 41 workers who have been trapped in a collapsed tunnel in northern India for eight days were contemplating alternative rescue plans Sunday after snags with a drilling machine caused them to halt digging.
A new drilling machine arrived
at the accident site in Uttarakhand state on Saturday to replace one that was damaged while breaking through the rocks and debris. They had been using the drill to create a space to insert wide pipes through which the trapped workers could crawl to their freedom.Authorities have so far drilled 24 meters (79 feet) through rubble and debris, but it would require up to 60 meters (197 feet) to allow the workers to escape, said Devendra Patwal, a disaster management official.
Officials on Sunday were considering new angles for
extracting the workers
. Deepa Gaur, a government spokesperson, said this included possibly using the new machine to drill from the top of the hill, under which the workers have been trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.This method would be more time-consuming, taking an additional four or five days, she added.
Earlier, rescue efforts hit a snag when a loud cracking sound was heard within the tunnel, startling those overseeing the operation, who paused the drilling and found parts of the machine damaged, said Tarun Kumar Baidya, director at the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
The construction workers have been trapped since Nov. 12, when a landslide caused a portion of the 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) tunnel they were building to collapse about 200 meters (650 feet) from the entrance. The hilly area is prone to landslides.
The site is in Uttarakhand, a mountainous state dotted with Hindu temples that attract many pilgrims and tourists. Highway and building construction has been constant to accommodate the influx. The tunnel is part of the busy Chardham all-weather road, a flagship federal project connecting various
Hindu pilgrimage sites
.About 200 disaster relief personnel have been at the site using drilling equipment and excavators in
the rescue operation
, with the plan being to push 80-centimeter-wide (2.6-foot-wide) steel pipes through an opening of excavated debris.Anshu Manish Khalkho, director at NHIDCL, said that after they paused the drilling on Saturday experts became concerned the drilling machine's high-intensity vibrations could cause more debris to fall and hinder efforts. The machine has a drilling capacity of up to 5 meters (16 feet) per hour and is equipped with a 99-centimeter (3.2-foot) diameter pipe to clear debris.
Khalko said drilling vertically from the top of the hill could also cause additional debris, but that they would opt for a specific technique designed for drilling through overburdened soil conditions where unstable ground make traditional methods more difficult. This method, experts hope, would lead to less debris falling.
One challenge, however, is that drilling from the top means they would need to dig 103 meters (338 feet) to reach the trapped workers — nearly double than if they carried on digging from the front.
Authorities were also contemplating drilling from the sides and the ends of the tunnel, Khulbe said.
Vijay Singh, an official at the control room, said they had also extended the pipe installed inside the tunnel through which the
trapped workers were receiving food
like nuts, roasted chickpeas, popcorn, and other essential items. Oxygen supply is being administered through a separate pipe.Doctors, officials and relatives were in constant touch with the workers, said Patwal, the disaster management official. He said two doctors at the disaster site were ensuring the workers' physical and mental well-being and that they have supplied them with vitamins and tablets to treat anxiety.
But as the rescue operation stretches into its eighth day, families of those stuck underground are growing more worried, frustrated and angry.
“I am losing my patience,” said Maharaj Singh Negi, whose brother Gabbar Singh is among the trapped workers. “The officials have not even briefed us about the future plans.”
MORE NEWS
Why Is Real Madrid Appologising To China? The Multi-Million Dollar Answer
Real Madrid apologised to China after Kylian Mbappe’s Mao comments sparked backlash, sponsor exits and a La Liga broadcast suspension. But what is at stake?
Out on parole, Asaram fails to return to Jodhpur jail on time; action initiated
The Ratanada police registered a case against the convicted godman under the Prisons Act on Tuesday night for failing to surrender within the stipulated time, even as the jail authorities refused to admit him due to the late hour.
Haryana ERC puts Eleven Power’s parallel power distribution licence on hold
The commission’s decision follows a state government directive issued under the Electricity Act, 2003, raising concerns over financial and consumer implications
Adani said to weigh deal for €3 billion energy storage firm VTTI
Billionaire Gautam Adani is reportedly exploring a potential acquisition of Dutch energy storage group VTTI. Supply disruptions have made VTTI's facilities increasingly valuable for energy trading, attracting multiple suitors. A deal could value VTTI at around €3 billion, with IFM Investors and Vitol owning significant stakes. Adani Group has been evaluating international acquisitions to accelerate its growth in various sectors.
School Holiday October 29: Which states have announced closures due to Cyclone Arnab? Will schools in Delhi, Punjab and other North Indian states remain closed for Karwa Chauth? Check state-wise updates
School Holiday October 29 news: Schools in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand will close on October 29 due to Cyclone Arnab. Karwa Chauth is also observed on this day, affecting school holidays. While Delhi government schools declared a holiday, private schools may vary in their schedules. Parents are advised to check with individual schools for updated holiday information. District administrations will provide details regarding school closures based on local weather conditions.
Real Madrid issues apology to China over Mbappe’s Mao remarks
Real Madrid has issued an apology to China over Kylian Mbappe’s controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, after the Spanish football club’s initial response failed to quell anger in China. In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, the club apologised to the Chinese people for “any discomfort” caused by the French footballer’s remarks, a day after Mbappe issued his own public apology. The apology came after Chinese state broadcaster CCTV Sports rejected Real...
Vedanta explores Rs 80,000 crore investment in West Bengal, says Anil Agarwal
In a bold move, Vedanta Group's Anil Agarwal announced an investment strategy of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore in West Bengal, set to foster job creation for around 10,000 individuals. He conveyed confidence in the state's manufacturing potential and the necessity of leveraging local resources. This announcement came during a key meeting at Nabanna, highlighting Agarwal's commitment to positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage.
British PM Burnham commits to 'strongest possible' links with India in Diwali address
During his first Diwali as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham expressed his commitment to strengthen UK-India relations. The celebration at 10 Downing Street included lighting lamps and cultural performances. Burnham emphasized the importance of harmony among various communities in the UK. Key speakers highlighted the ongoing free trade agreement between the two countries and its benefits. The festive events reflect the growing partnership between the UK and India.
Assam Chief Minister chairs two crucial meetings in Dibrugarh to safeguard indigenous land rights
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a series of meetings in Dibrugarh, concentrating on securing land rights for indigenous peoples. The gatherings highlighted challenges related to land distribution for tribal families, particularly within the Moran and Matak communities. To aid in resolving these issues, youth will receive training for online applications, reinforcing initiatives aimed at preserving and respecting the land ownership of tribes in Upper Assam.
YouTube Outage: Thousands of users reportedly facing problems, reports claim issues with Google Search and Gmail too
Google services, including YouTube and YouTube Music, have reported significant issues on October 28, 2026. Thousands of users faced problems accessing these platforms, with complaints rising sharply throughout the day. Users encountered issues streaming videos and loading content, prompting discussion on social media. Despite reports of widespread problems, Google's official status dashboard shows services operational. The cause of these issues remains unclear and has not been confirmed by Google.
MoS Somanna sees 2028 message in NDA’s council poll sweep
Union Minister of State V Somanna highlighted the Congress party's failure in recent Legislative Council elections across multiple states. He pointed out that Congress did not secure any seats in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, or Uttar Pradesh. Somanna used these results to challenge Congress's claims regarding electronic voting machines and alleged electoral fraud. The outcomes are perceived as a negative reflection on the Congress government in Karnataka.