Vantage | Why India's tunnel rescue mission has proved so challenging

In the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, a harrowing situation has unfolded over the past 14 days. Forty-one workers find themselves stuck beneath the rubble of a collapsed tunnel, facing a race against time for their rescue. Despite numerous attempts and changing strategies, the mission to extricate them has proven to be a formidable challenge.

Unfolding crisis On 12 November, what started as an ordinary workday for these 41 men turned into a nightmare when the tunnel they were working in caved in. Since then, rescuers have tirelessly sought ways to bring them to safety, battling obstacles such as loose debris, rocks and precarious terrain. The clock has been ticking, with each passing hour intensifying the urgency of the situation. The initial optimism of imminent rescue was dashed when a drilling machine, a crucial tool in the operation, suffered damage, halting progress. The president of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association, Arnold Dix, emphasised the challenges, stating, “The drilling, the augering has stopped. It’s too much for the auger, it’s like our auger is not going to do anything more. We’re looking at, as we have always been, multiple options but with each option, we’re considering how do we make sure that 41 men come home safe and we don’t hurt anyone.” Authorities are now exploring multiple options to overcome the hurdles. Manual digging has become a primary focus, with rescuers already making progress by hand after the machine broke down. Australian micro-tunneling expert Chris Cooper explained, “We’re breaking out the cutter head, will be about another two hours and then the intention is to do the next nine metres by hand tunnelling. That’s the situation at the moment.” Parallel efforts Simultaneously, vertical drilling is being considered as an alternative route. While this option presents a considerable risk, authorities are weighing the potential benefits. However, the process is time consuming, requiring over 100 hours and brings with it the fear of further destabilising the terrain. As if the situation wasn’t challenging enough, the impending bad weather adds an extra layer of complexity. Forecasted rain, thunderstorms, hail and lower temperatures could disrupt rescue efforts, potentially causing further complications. Amidst the technical and environmental challenges, the 41 men remain trapped but in good spirits, receiving essential supplies such as oxygen and cooked food. However, the ordeal continues for them and their families, with no imminent end in sight. As the clock keeps ticking, the collective efforts of rescuers, experts and authorities are dedicated to ensuring the safe return of these 41 individuals from the depths of the collapsed tunnel. The ongoing saga underscores the unpredictable nature of rescue operations in challenging terrains and serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required in the face of adversity. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.