Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Tree cutting expert to vertical drilling, administration trying all to reach out trapped workers

A tree-cutting expert named Ashiq Hussain has been called by the Forest Department to Silkyara Tunnel and tree-cutting work is expected to start shortly.

Also, the administration is trying to reach the workers through vertical drilling from the upper part of the tunnel spot right above the tunnel has been identified and marked.

"We were trying to reach them horizontally, now we will also try vertically... A spot right above the tunnel has been identified and marked. A hole will be drilled from there to reach there. The depth of the whole would be approximately 300-350 feet... The horizontal attempt of rescue would also begin from Barkot end of the tunnel," said Uttarkashi DFO DP Baluni.

While talking about the ongoing rescue operation Former Advisor PMO Bhaskar Khulbe said, " Efforts are on to bolster the entire area's strength to the order that it remains totally safe for workers to approach the rescue work that we are intending to do. I feel that our concerted effort will give good results in the coming four to five days"

Chris Cooper, a micro tunnelling expert arrived at the Silkyara tunnel incident site on Saturday to monitor the rescue operation.

Chris Cooper is a Chartered Engineer with an experienced track record for delivery of Major International key civil engineering infrastructure, Metro tunnels, Large Caverns, Dams, Railway, and Mining Projects.

Cooper who is also a consultant for the Rishikesh Karnprayag rail project has reached the site to monitor the rescue operation.

Speaking to ANI, Cooper said "I don't have any information as of now. I reached here last night only." The heavy-duty drilling machine which was expected to arrive today from Indore has also reached the Silkyara tunnel site.

The under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway collapsed in the early hours of November 12. (ANI)