Silkyara tunnel collapse: NDRF swings into action, takes over rescue ops

With the completion of the pipe-laying works, the NDRF has now swung into action and has taken over the rescue operation.

Since the final stage of the rescue operation requires careful implementation of the planning, NDRF first started a mock drill exercise before bringing out 41 trapped labourers from inside the collapsed tunnel.

“There are different stages after NDRF takes over the rescue operation. After entering the collapsed tunnel in which 41 labourers are trapped, the first task for rescuers is to make a ramp. This would be used for bringing out the trapped labourers,” a source, who is camping at the collapsed tunnel site, explained. According to him, a special stretcher is also made for its use to bring out the labourers.


The administration has already parked 41 ambulances at the collapsed tunnel site for the quick transportation of the labourers after their evacuation. “They would first undergo a preliminary medical test soon after their evacuation at the collapsed tunnel site. Then, they would be taken to the hospitals by the ambulances,” another source said.

The administration has also developed a green corridor, connecting the road from the tunnel site to Chinyalisaur, for the smooth movement of the ambulances. The government officials are in constant touch with the family members of labourers, who have been camping at the accident site. “They would be allowed to meet the labourers at the tunnel site. It will help the labourers to remain mentally strong after being brought out from inside the tunnel,” the source further added.

Helicopters of IAF have already reached Chinyalisaur to bring the labourers, who face any health issue after being rescued, to AIIMS, Rishikesh.

The rescue operation, which has been continuing for more than two weeks, involves more than 20 agencies, including ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL and NHIDCL. International experts Arnold Dix and Chris Cooper continue to camp at the collapsed tunnel site. Apart from officials of the Indian army, the Indian Air Force made its contribution by airdropping heavy equipment and machinery required for making a passage for safe evacuation of the trapped labourers.