"Ground penetrating radar used to detect obstacles": NDMA on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue ops

New Delhi [India], November 24 : A member of the National Disaster Management Authority, Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain, said on Friday that by using ground penetrating radar, it has been detected that there is no obstacle in the next 5 metres at Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel, where 41 workers remain trapped.
The NDMA member said that after the augor is moved to 5 metres, the ground-penetrating radar will be used again to detect obstacles in the next 5 metres.
Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, Syed Ata Hasnain said, "Using ground penetrating radar, it has been detected that there is no obstacle in the next 5 metres on our path. We continue to use this to detect obstacles, if any. There is hope that the movement of the augor is done and will be smooth until 5 meters and again, this ground-penetrating radar will be used."
Highlighting the changes, the NDMA member said, "There are a few things that have changed from yesterday. The steel pipe, which is used in a tunnel, has fallen. Progress had been made to remove it through gas cutters. Mounting has been made again and it is almost complete. The pushing of pipes is being done."
He further thanked the media for showcasing the incident.
"I would like to thank the media for how they are showcasing this, as it is a big challenge. The government of India is ensuring that no resources are left that are required and not mustered," he said.
The NDMA member informed that not only the Centre but also the governments of different states are extending their support to the rescue operation of the workers trapped in a portion of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.
"The work that is being done is not done by one or two agencies; it is being done by the central government and now the governments from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and many more states are also extending their support," he said.
"As far as the tunnel sight is concerned, different facilities are being given to the workers trapped in the tunnel. The workers have spoken to their family members, and toiletries have been provided to them. It is all being done to boost their morale, as just in case the time frame increases to another 5-7 days, they should not be demoralised," the NDMA member added.
Meanwhile, the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation of the 41 workers trapped in a portion of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, which collapsed over a week ago, has been put on hold again after a technical glitch was faced by the rescue team on Friday evening.
The drilling by the American-made auger machine to rescue the trapped workers was halted after the rescue team faced a technical glitch.
Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami disposed of the government files from the temporary camp office established in Matali (Uttarakashi) and reviewed the Silkyara rescue operation.
CM Dhami has been in Matli since Wednesday to ensure the safety of the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel. To ensure that government work is not disrupted, the CM's temporary camp office is being operated from Matli itself.
On Friday, the Chief Minister not only disposed of important government files but also gave necessary directions to the officials.
This evening, the Chief Minister reached Silkyara, inspected the ongoing rescue operation there, talked to the team engaged in the operation and took the necessary information.
On November 12 a portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed and debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside. The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.