Uttarkashi: The rescue operation for the 40 workers who are stuck inside a tunnel under construction in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, has resumed after a brief halt on Friday. The rescue team heard loud cracking noises while trying to restart the drilling machine, which raised safety concerns. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), which is overseeing the project, said that the workers are still in good health and are receiving essential supplies through air-compressed pipes.
A team of geologists from various organizations, including RVNL, JVVNL, and ONGC, is inspecting the site and exploring different options to speed up the rescue work. Geologist Varun Adhikari said that they are doing geo-mapping and will decide on the best course of action after considering all the possibilities. He said that they are trying to contact all PSUs for assistance.
The workers have been trapped inside the tunnel since last Saturday when a landslide caused a portion of the tunnel to collapse. The rescue team has cleared 24 meters of debris so far. NHIDCL Director Anshu Manish Khalkho said that they are trying to maintain the morale of the trapped workers by talking to them through psychological experts. He said that the workers are physically and mentally fit. The relatives of the trapped workers are also being allowed to communicate with them through a pipe inside the tunnel.
