The collapse of the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India, on November 12, 41 workers were trapped inside. The collapse occurred during the construction of the tunnel, part of the Char Dham all-weather road project, aimed at connecting sacred Hindu sites. Rescue operations, spearheaded by multiple agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Uttarakhand Police, and engineers from the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, were immediately initiated.
Rescue Operation Progress
Dubbed “Operation Zindagi,” the state government launched efforts to save the trapped workers. Initial attempts involved two tunnel boring machines; however, when progress was inadequate, a third machine was flown in. Delays ensued as drilling through the debris encountered complications, prompting the creation of alternative access tunnels alongside the main one. Three pipes were drilled to supply essentials like oxygen, dry food, and a means for communication and observation using a camera.
Recent setbacks, including machinery malfunctions and the auger machine getting stuck inside the tunnel, hampered progress. A team of ‘rat-hole’ miners eventually manually broke through the remaining debris on November 28, enabling the rescue of all 41 workers, who were evacuated on stretchers.
Investigation and Expert Committee
Following the incident, a six-member expert committee was formed by the Uttarakhand government to investigate the tunnel collapse. Led by the Director of Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, this committee aims to determine the causes behind the collapse.
The successful rescue marks the culmination of extensive efforts by multiple rescue agencies and experts, reminiscent of similar challenges faced during the Tham Luang cave rescue in Thailand in 2018. Despite setbacks and challenges encountered during the rescue operation, the dedication and persistence of the rescue team ensured the safe evacuation of all trapped workers, bringing relief to families and garnering international attention for its remarkable outcome. The investigation into the incident is expected to shed light on the circumstances leading to the collapse, aiding in preventing such mishaps in the future.
