Tunnel: Uttarkashi tunnel: NHIDCL boring another pipeline to supply food, antidepressants

NEW DELHI: Dry fruits, multivitamins, and antidepressants are being sent to the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkarshi as multiple government agencies are putting in their best efforts for their evacuation. NHIDCL is boring another six-inch pipeline for delivering food and essentials, and drilling of 39 metres (out of 60 meters) has already been completed.
Union road transport and highways secretary Anurag Jain said the government is confident of evacuating all the workers safely, though it may take time. “Once the new tunnel is ready, it will facilitate delivery of more food items. The food items are being sent after consulting experts,” he said.

Jain said five different agencies are simultaneously working on five options to reach the workers and evacuate them. “There is light inside because the electricity is on. There is a pipeline, so water is available. There is a four-inch pipe, which was used for compression and through that, we are sending food from day one,” the secretary said.

Giving an update on the rescue operation, Jain said the government is keeping constant communication with the workers and making all efforts to keep up the morale of those trapped inside the tunnel. “The area in which the workers are trapped is 8.5 metres high and 2 kms long. This is the built-up portion of the tunnel where concreting work has been done providing safety to the labourers. Electricity and water are also available in this portion of the tunnel,” he said.