Race Against Time: Rat-hole Miners Begin Manual Drilling To Save Trapped Workers In Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse

Authorities have confirmed the commencement of manual horizontal drilling at the Uttarakhand tunnel where 41 individuals have been trapped for over two weeks. This initiative began at 7 PM today after the American Augur Drill malfunctioned once again. Its blades got entangled with iron grill remnants from the tunnel ceiling and other debris.

The operation is being carried out by "rat miners," labourers experienced in drilling narrow shafts, utilising a primitive technique commonly used in coal extraction.

Additionally, officials mentioned that vertical drilling aimed at establishing an additional passageway has already advanced to 36 meters.

Rescue efforts for 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara-Barkot tunnel have intensified, employing vertical and horizontal drilling methods in an urgent bid to free the stranded individuals.

Multiple government agencies, including the Indian Army, joined the operation after an advanced drilling machine malfunctioned, necessitating manual drilling to expedite the process.

However, ongoing rescue efforts face potential weather challenges, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for rain, lightning, and hailstorms in Uttarkashi, which may impact operations.

A high-level delegation, including officials like PM Modi's Principal Secretary PK Mishra and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu, assessed the situation on-site. The vertical drilling process has progressed steadily, requiring a total of 86 meters to create an escape passage, with preparations underway for the installation of 1.2-meter diameter pipes.

Additionally, 'rat miners' with experience in similar operations arrived, aiming to clear debris manually using trolleys, equipped with safety gear and expressing solidarity with the trapped workers.

Several rescue plans are in motion, including horizontal and vertical drilling, alongside the creation of a rescue tunnel and the removal of equipment hindering progress. Authorities aim to conclude vertical drilling by November 30, barring any unforeseen challenges.