Race Against Time: Desperate Efforts to Rescue Dozens Trapped in Himalayan Tunnel Collapse
Frantic rescue mission underway in northern India as up to 40 workers remain trapped in a collapsed Himalayan tunnel, fighting for survival amidst limited oxygen and water supplies
A rescue operation is currently taking place in northern India to save numerous workers who are trapped following the collapse of a mountain tunnel they were assisting in constructing on Sunday. These individuals are now confined behind a mound of debris with limited access to oxygen and water. The tunnel, located in the town of Uttarkashi, forms part of an ambitious Himalayan highway project and it is estimated that around 40 men were working at the site when a section of the passage leading to the entrance caved in, according to authorities.
"We are in contact with the individuals trapped inside. They are all safe and we maintain communication with them," declared Arpan Yaduvanshi, Superintendent of Police in Uttarkashi. He informed CNN on Monday that efforts are underway to rescue all of them. Yaduvanshi also mentioned that the rescuers have been providing oxygen and water to the trapped individuals through the debris.
At the scene, visual evidence captured a sizable machine excavating debris within the gloomy tunnel, with numerous rescue personnel congregating near the entrance. Collaborating in the mission are state and national disaster authorities, working in conjunction with local law enforcement officials.
According to Anuj Kumar, the Circle Officer of Uttarkashi, work crews have successfully cleared approximately 20 meters (65 feet) of debris, leaving an additional 40 meters (130 feet) to be tackled.
"It may take around another day or so to resolve the situation," he stated.
The tunnel forms a crucial portion of the Char Dham Highway project initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This multimillion-dollar infrastructure venture aims to enhance connectivity in the state of Uttarakhand and facilitate improved access to significant pilgrimage sites.
Uttarakhand, a scenic and mountainous state located on the border of India and China, is commonly known as the "Devbhumi" or "Land of the Gods" due to its vibrant cultural heritage and numerous Hindu religious sites.
The Char Dham Highway project aims to enhance connectivity between Uttarakhand and India's capital, New Delhi, spanning a distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
India has witnessed several construction disasters that have garnered media attention in recent months, with Sunday's collapse being the latest. The country has been vigorously enhancing its infrastructure and allocating substantial funds towards upgrading its transportation system. Another devastating incident occurred in August, when a bridge under construction in the northeastern state of Mizoram gave way, resulting in the tragic loss of over a dozen workers' lives.
The quality of the construction of a four-lane concrete bridge across the River Ganges in Bihar, which collapsed for the second time in June, has raised concerns. Additionally, in Morbi, Gujarat, a suspension bridge that had been repaired collapsed last October, resulting in the tragic death of 135 people.
