Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: drilling halts again due to machine encountering metal object
text_fields
Drilling operations at the Uttarakhand tunnel, where 41 labourers are trapped, faced another setback on Friday evening after the auger machine hit a metallic object, marking the second such interruption within two days.
The initial incident occurred on Thursday when the machine's blades struck a pipe, leading to a temporary halt in drilling. Despite a 24-hour pause, the machine was stopped again after encountering another obstacle.
During a press briefing earlier on Friday, senior officials shared that approximately 10-12 metres of drilling remained to reach the trapped workers. Ground penetrating radar indicated a likelihood of no significant metal obstructions for the upcoming five metres.
While this information wasn't confirmed with complete certainty, Uttarakhand Secretary Neeraj Khairwal, overseeing the rescue operation, noted that the experts anticipated no continuous metal objects like girders, pipes, or metal plates in the next 5.4 metres. He highlighted that although other hurdles were identified, this development was positive.
With the drill currently inactive, attempts are being made to manually advance towards the trapped workers. However, it appears unlikely that the rescue will progress during the night on Friday.
An official reported that due to complications faced by the auger machine, it was being dismantled. Concurrently, efforts were underway to approach the trapped labourers manually, analysing the debris to navigate through the situation.
Officials reiterated that despite being trapped for 13 days, the workers remain mentally stable and physically fit. They have been in touch with their families and display resilience, expressing their determination to emerge from the situation on their own.
A labourer experienced in such conditions has been helping uplift the spirits of his colleagues. Additionally, the workers are provided with essentials like cut fruits, hot chapatis, lentils, and vegetables, delivered through pipes in bottles.
The tunnel under construction in Uttarkashi forms part of the ambitious Char Dham project, aimed at improving connectivity to Hindu pilgrimage sites. The labourers became trapped when a section of the tunnel collapsed on November 12.
Delhi Airport’s canopy partially collapses in heavy rains
text_fields
New Delhi: The canopy at the arrival forecourt of the Delhi airport's Terminal 1 partially collapsed on Sunday morning due to heavy rains and strong winds, PTI reported, citing a source.
The revamped Terminal 1 (T1) was recently opened for flight operations at the national capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), which is also the country's largest and busiest airport.
In a statement, airport operator DIAL said that as a part of the design's natural response to extreme conditions and to prevent excessive water retention, a section of the external tensile fabric at the T1 arrival forecourt adjusted under pressure, thereby aiding in water dispersal.
The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) also said there was no structural compromise or impact on other parts of the terminal.
The statement did not directly mention the canopy collapse.
"Swift action was taken by the ground teams to restore normal conditions, ensuring safety and continuity of operations with minimal disruption," it said.
The source said the canopy at the arrival forecourt of T1 partially collapsed, and no one was injured.
As many as 49 flights, including 17 international flights, were diverted at the airport between 11:30 pm on Saturday and 4 am on Sunday, a source said earlier in the day.
In the statement, DIAL said the national capital experienced an intense thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall during the intervening night of May 24.
The city recorded over 80 mm of rain with wind speeds touching 70-80 km/h within a short span of 30 to 45 minutes around 2 am. The sudden and concentrated downpour led to temporary water accumulation in and around the airport, briefly impacting operations, it said.
IGIA handles around 1,300 flight movements daily.
In June last year, a canopy at the old departure forecourt of T1 partially collapsed amid heavy rains, resulting in the death of a person and causing injuries to at least six people.
Meanwhile, in a post on X at 7 pm, DIAL said that due to inclement weather conditions and changing wind patterns, there might be an impact on flight operations at the airport.
The opinions expressed within this comment are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the comment do not reflect the views of Madhyamam and Madhyamam does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same
The opinions expressed within this comment are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the comment do not reflect the views of Madhyamam and Madhyamam does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same