The tireless efforts of authorities working round the clock to rescue 41 workers trapped in a partially collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi encountered a setback as the US-made Auger machine sustained damage during the 14th day of the rescue operation. The damaged machine, responsible for drilling through the debris, was brought out for repairs, leading to a shift in strategy to manual drilling for the remainder of the operation.
The decision to transition to manual drilling was prompted by repeated malfunctions in the Auger machine, primarily caused by the blades striking obstacles. With only a few meters separating the trapped workers and the rescue team, the heavy-duty drillers were moved back 22 meters. The final 6-9 meters of debris will now be cleared manually.
Explaining the challenges posed by the Auger machine, a senior official stated, “While drilling with the US-made Auger machine, if we hit an obstruction every two to three feet, we have to remove it. Whenever we encounter an obstacle, the Auger needs to be retracted by 50 meters, the distance covered by the laid pipeline. Following necessary repairs, the machine then requires pushing back the same distance, a process that typically spans 5 to 7 hours. This prolonged procedure is contributing to the extended duration of the rescue operation.”
The decision to extend the pipeline further through manual drilling over short distances aims to expedite the operation. Even if obstructions are encountered, the manual approach allows for quicker problem resolution, preventing further delays in the critical rescue effort.
