Ongoing Rescue Operation Faces Setbacks Amidst Landslide and Protests
In a race against time, rescue efforts to save 40 trapped laborers in Uttarkashi faced fresh challenges on Tuesday. A newly occurred landslide obstructed the insertion of steel pipes through the collapsed tunnel debris, where the laborers have been trapped for two days. Despite initial setbacks, a sophisticated American Auger machine was requisitioned from Delhi to cut through the debris-laden terrain.
As the drilling process commenced on Tuesday night, the auger machine initially used proved ineffective, prompting the deployment of the advanced American Auger capable of drilling at a speed of 5 meters per hour. The rescue operation, already under immense pressure, was further complicated when a group of workers launched a protest against authorities for delayed rescue work. Clashes ensued, and falling debris caused injuries to two rescue workers, necessitating their immediate transfer to a makeshift hospital at the site.
Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Kumar Sinha had set a target for the rescue by Tuesday night or Wednesday. Despite the challenges, a team of 160 rescuers from various agencies remains on-site, including the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Border Roads Organisation, Rapid Action Force, and the Health Department. Continuous contact is maintained with the trapped laborers, assuring them of the ongoing massive rescue operation to evacuate them.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
