Uttarakhand Tunnel Crisis Intensifies: Trapped Laborers' Fate Hangs In Balance As Fresh Landslide Forces Equipment Reset

The ongoing rescue mission for 40 trapped labourers in Uttarakhand faced a setback, as a recent landslide disrupted efforts to create a passage using an auger drilling machine.

Despite initial optimism expressed by Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela, unforeseen challenges arose on Tuesday (14 November) night, compelling rescue teams to dismantle the drilling equipment and restart platform preparation.

New equipment is being urgently flown in from New Delhi to aid in overcoming these obstacles.

The state disaster response force reported ongoing efforts to set up a replacement drilling machine. The delay prompted protests by workers at the site.

Visuals from the scene depict significant hurdles, including piles of concrete blocking the tunnel and twisted metal bars complicating the rescue operation.

The plan involves using drilling equipment to push through mild steel pipes, creating a passage for the trapped labourers, who are reportedly safe and receiving essential supplies through tubes.

The State Emergency Operation Centre detailed the specifications of the pipes, emphasising the urgency of the rescue.

Communication has been established with the trapped workers through walkie-talkies, with initial contact made via a note and later using radio handsets.

The incident occurred when a section of the tunnel, part of the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway between Silkyara and Dandalgaon, collapsed following a landslide on Sunday (12 November).

The workers have approximately 400 metres of buffer space, providing some relief amid the challenging rescue efforts.