Which tunnel collapsed in Uttarakhand?
On the morning of 12th November 2023, a tunnel being built in Uttarakhand collapsed. This happened in the Uttarkashi district, and 41 workers were stuck inside when a part of it collapsed just 200 meters from the entrance.
It's on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway between Silkyara and Dandalgaon. Early reports said a landslide caused the collapse, but officials are still figuring it out. The tunnel was supposed to help Char Dham pilgrims save time and avoid dangerous, steep roads that often have accidents and landslides.
The alleged landslide caused debris to fall on the tunnel, causing it to collapse.
What’s the current condition of the workers?
Officials said the men are stuck 200 meters inside the tunnel, but they are okay. Authorities talked to the trapped workers. They are sending food, water, air, and medicine through a pipeline used for construction work.
Six pipes have also been added to give the workers food and air. But it's been a long time since they got stuck, and people are worried about their health.
What is being done to rescue them?
At first, the plan was to drill through the debris to make space for a big pipe. This pipe would help the trapped men crawl out. But on the afternoon of November 17, 2023, after drilling 24 meters, there was a loud cracking sound in the tunnel. Because of that, they stopped the rescue work.
The next day, the government had a meeting. They came up with five different plans to rescue the workers. These plans include drilling from one end of the tunnel to another, drilling up and down, drilling at a right angle, and more. They're also getting help from experts in Norway and Thailand. Let's hope they can rescue the workers successfully.
