Rescue Efforts Ongoing for Trapped Workers 265 Meters Deep in Tunnel

The distance between the workers who were imprisoned and the escape route that was devised to reach them is around sixty meters. According to the officials, the slab that was obstructing approximately 20 meters of the tunnel has been removed, but there is still a route that needs to be cleaned that is 35 meters.

Reprofiling is the act of modifying or adjusting the contour of a structure that is located around 265 meters inside the tunnel. Yesterday, approximately 40 personnel were deployed for the procedure of reprofiling. They were unable to escape because a section of the tunnel approximately 50 to 55 meters distant from them gave way, trapping them within.

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After the event was reported, the search and rescue operation got underway right away. One of the most important things for the rescue teams to focus on was making sure that the workers who were trapped had access to food and air.

Unstable Soil Hinders Rescue Operations for Trapped Tunnel Workers

Pipes carried necessities like medications, food, water, electricity, and oxygen into the area that was imprisoned. These piped-in provisions came from the outside. Through the use of Walkie-Talkies, the rescue teams were able to successfully establish communication with the workers.

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Initial investigations indicate that a landslide in the area was the precipitating factor in the collapse. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, stated that the debris is falling because of unstable soil, which is causing a delay in the rescue operations.Stabilization work is being done on the loose rubble, which is what is delaying the rescue operations. Additionally, excavation with shotcreting has begun for the first forty meters of the collapsed tunnel.

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The process of spraying concrete at a high velocity across a structure is referred to as “shotcreting.” Two significant steps have been taken by the rescue crews in order to evacuate the workers.In addition to removing the loose earth, 21 meters of debris is currently being shotcreted. Due to a very slight collapse of the debris, the depth of the excavation has been lowered to 14 meters.

Daring Rescue Operation to Free Workers Trapped Under Rubble

In order to free the workers who are trapped underneath the rubble, the rescue crews have devised a strategy that involves pushing a pipe with a diameter of 900 millimeters using a hydraulic jack and cutting a hole into the mountain of wreckage. The daring operation is currently preparing to launch, and preparations include gathering all of the necessary materials and machinery. Additionally, professionals from the department of irrigation have joined the operation.

The Chardham Mahamarg Pariyojana includes the construction of a tunnel that is 4.5 kilometers long and connects Silkyara to the axis that runs between Gangotri and Yamnotri. The workers are allegedly safe while they are trapped in a buffer zone that is 400 meters long in the tunnel.

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The average AQI was reported at 470 this morning, which is approximately 20 times higher than the level that is advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). The data that was collected in real time indicates that this was the case. According to data provided by aqi.in, the current air quality index has reached the 480-point threshold.

A bird’s-eye view near AIIMS, Delhi, shows how the national capital is wrapped in toxic air.

#WATCH | Delhi: The air quality in Delhi is in the 'Severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board.

(Drone camera visuals from near AIIMS, shot at 7.30 a.m) pic.twitter.com/7XbvJmfzaM

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023

In the months leading up to the rabi crop season in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, there was an increase in the amount of paddy straw that was burned, which is said to be one of the causes of the terrible air quality in Delhi. On the other hand, according to the environment minister in Delhi, Gopal Rai, the burning of stubble is only a problem in the neighbouring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and not in the state of Punjab at all.

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1. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast no rainfall in the city, which could improve the AQI by forcing down air pollutants.
2. A high-level meeting has been called today by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to take stock of the deteriorating AQI and the implementation of stage 4 under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
3. The New Delhi-based Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) said a total of 4,160 farm fires have been recorded till Sunday, which is the highest so far for this season. Punjab alone has reported 3,230 incidents of stubble burning, which is the state’s highest in a day for this season.
4. Rai contended that Punjab, an AAP-ruled state, has recorded less stubble burning if compared with last year. He said the farm fires in the state do not have as much impact on the AQI as smoke from Haryana and UP does.
5. Ahead of the next cricket World Cup match, Bangladesh and Sri Lankan cricketers find it difficult to get some practise sessions done on Delhi grounds. Asthmatic Bangladesh cricketers remained indoors, while Sri Lankan players wore masks.
6. Among the types of health hazards, people in Delhi are prone to coronary artery diseases like heart attack, brain stroke, and arthritis, as Dr. Piyush Ranjan, an additional professor in the department of medicine at AIIMS, drew a relation between those serious health conditions and air pollution.

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The steps for Stage 1 have already been put into place. Because of this, any private construction work or demolition projects that are larger than 500 square meters will need to be put on hold.

“All actions as envisaged under Stage-II be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned in NCR with immediate effect, in addition to all Stage-I actions of GRAP already in force,” according to the order issued by the panel.

The GRAP classifies acts into the following four stages: Stage I – ‘Poor’ (AQI 201-300); Stage II – ‘Very Poor’ (AQI 301-400); Stage III – ‘Severe’ (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV – ‘Severe Plus’ (AQI >450).

As part of Stage 1, it is requested that authorities implement a prohibition on the use of coal and firewood in ‘tandoors’ found in hotels, restaurants, and other types of eating establishments. In addition to this, it requires taking action against polluting industrial units and thermal power plants that are located within 300 kilometers of Delhi.

In order to deter the use of private vehicles, Stage 2 consists of increasing parking fees and augmenting the fleet with CNG, electric, and metro trains.

In the cities of Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida Extension, stage 3 diesel vehicles up to BS-IV are prohibited. With the exception of critical government initiatives, construction and demolition activities are entirely halted during this phase. With the exception of essential services, light commercial vehicles registered outside of Delhi, trucks, and medium-to-heavy cargo vehicles are prohibited.

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In Stage 4, all construction activities are prohibited. It is permissible for state governments to institute online courses, close schools, and require private and public employees to work remotely.

Saturday marked an average of 248 for Delhi’s air quality index.

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In total, there are currently 28 relief camps in Sikkim, which accommodate approximately 6,487 individuals. Gangtok district has the greatest number of such centers, which amount to ten.

Wednesday morning at 2:00 a.m., Khan’s Lal Bazaar-area residence was engulfed in floodwaters; they had exhausted all available time to evacuate. “Everyone hurriedly exited their dwellings in an attempt to ascend to higher ground.” My father, however, was lost in the pandemonium. His remains were carried away by the floodwaters. A few years ago, my mother passed away, and he is now as well. “I have been abandoned,” Khan remarked.

Khan, bereaved and alone, contemplates an unforeseeable future. “I was unable to produce any items, including documents, clothing, or cash.” My residence in Lal Bazar has been demolished. After this, I have no idea where to go or what to do. “It is impossible for me to remain here indefinitely,” she declared. She is still dressed in the same garments that she used to flee her residence.

Situated 30 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital of the state, the three-storey school building, which once accommodated 1400 students in a state of commotion, is now occupied in every room by destitute individuals who have lost their secure dwellings. The school’s principal, SK Pradhan, stated that the auditorium on the third floor and all ten classrooms on the first and second floors have been made available to flood victims. A staff room has been designated for night officers who are members of the police force.

Furthermore, figures are proliferating. Wednesday, there were only 318 individuals at the shelter. As of Saturday, the total stood at 639. “My husband, two daughters, and I sought refuge in the home of a relative following the flood.” However, we made the decision to relocate to the flood sanctuary as we perceived the relative’s one-room dwelling to be an intolerable burden for us to endure. Our dwelling at Adarsh Gaon has been destroyed by the tides. Smriti Pradhan stated, “Every day my spouse inspects the house to determine whether or not it can be restored and reconstructed, but I am always terrified because I cannot predict how secure the area will remain.”

Previously utilized by students to study, tables are now used to demarcate the boundaries between families. Others slumber on a bedsheet on the floor, while others sleep on mattresses. In addition to providing sustenance twice daily, the government has packaged biscuits and a cup of tea in the morning.

Due to the closure of the school, fifty members of the teaching staff and the same number of pupils now serve as volunteers from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. “Even though the school is closed, we continue to serve the victims there every day.” We provide them with nourishment and hydration while performing any necessary tasks, including room cleansing. “I am delighted to assist them as they are in a critical situation,” said Rancho Gurung, the youngest volunteer and a seventh-grade student with future military aspirations.

ALSO READ : Prem Singh Tamang, Sikkim’s CM, questions flood-damaged hydel dam

A legal team from the state government has been assigned one of the numerous workstations established by the school administration. Their responsibility is to assist victims in completing necessary paperwork, including filing police complaints and obtaining duplicates of marksheets, identity cards, certificates, and bank documents. In addition, a medical team has been dispatched. “Upon the arrival of a new victim, we must ascertain that he does not have an infectious disease.” “Upon arrival, one individual was diagnosed with tuberculosis and required immediate transport to a hospital,” stated one volunteer.

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During the 25-year rule of the Sikkim Democratic Front, commanded by Pawan Chamling, which lasted until 2019, the structure was constructed. The state government’s stake in the initiative is 60.08 percent.

Teesta Urja, the second largest run-of-the-river hydro power project in India, washed away on the intervening nights of Tuesday and Wednesday as a result of flooding induced by the breach in Lhonak lake in north-west Sikkim.

Located between Chungthang and Mangan in the Mangan district of north Sikkim, the 1,200 MW power project on the Teesta river, one of the most obstructed rivers in the country, is the largest of nine operational hydro projects on the river in Sikkim. Currently, construction is underway on 15 dams, and an additional 28 are planned to span the river in order to harness its approximately 4,200 MW of hydropower capacity.

Tamang, speaking to the media on Friday in Rangpo, stated, “The dam’s devastation was due to substandard construction at the second largest hydroelectric project in India. This resulted in significant collateral damages.

Tamang, who had the opportunity to meet individuals impacted by the disaster, declared a gratuitous payment of 4 lakh rupees for the bereaved families.

“Although a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred in north-west Sikkim, the dam failure caused more property damage.” “It was built below acceptable standards,” he stated.

Tamang stated that 19 carcasses have been recovered thus far and that 103 individuals remain unaccounted for. He estimated that as many as 25,000 people were impacted and 3500 were rescued from areas cut off by extensive road and bridge damage.

“The state government is receiving complete cooperation from the center,” Tamang continued. Additionally, the state government is making every effort to assist those afflicted. We are attempting to assist stranded tourists in northern Sikkim.”

In north Sikkim, an estimated 3000 visitors are still stranded.

“Efforts are being made to evacuate tourists from areas that are completely cut off, including Lachung and Lachen.” “Helicopters are unable to operate as a result of bad weather, and NDRF (national disaster response force) teams are awaiting flights to North Sikkim at Bagdogra airport in West Bengal,” he added.

The decision has been made by the state government to revoke tourist permits for destinations such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. Precautions have been implemented to conserve diesel and gasoline, which can subsequently be allocated towards rescue operations.

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Multiple locations along national highway number 10 (NH-10), which is the lifeblood of Sikkim, are damaged. Long detours are required for vehicles traveling between Sikkim and West Bengal via Lava in the Kalimpong district in order to enter or exit the disaster-affected areas.

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Here are the latest updates from Sikkim:

• A day after the flash floods struck the northeastern state, officials report that 98 persons, including 22 army personnel, are missing. Although four corpses of military personnel have been recovered, it is still unclear whether they belong to the 22 missing soldiers. Meanwhile, 26 people have been injured and are being treated in facilities throughout Sikkim.
• To date, 2,011 individuals have been rescued. According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), 22,034 individuals have been affected by the disaster, as reported by PTI.
• The Teesta River’s rapid floods caused a massive accumulation of water, which then turned toward the Chungthang dam and destroyed the power infrastructure before moving downstream.
• According to reports, approximately 10,000 people have been affected by the disaster in the Mangan district, 6,895 in Pakyong, 2,579 in Namchi, and 2,570 in Gangtok.

• The flood has devastated 11 bridges in the state – out of which eight have been washed away. PTI reported that water pipelines, sewage lines, and 277 wooden and concrete homes have been devastated in the four affected districts.
• Reports indicate that more than 3,000 tourists, including expatriates, are stranded in various regions of Sikkim. The evacuation of the stranded tourists has been deemed a top priority, and it has been determined to airlift them to Mangan; however, Thursday’s bad weather prevented this from occurring. “If the weather cooperates, tourists stranded in Lachen and Lachung will be evacuated beginning tomorrow,” a government official told PTI.
• The government of Sikkim has advised tourists to postpone travel until the situation normalizes. “Due to the unprecedented situation created by the Teesta river flooding, all tourists planning to visit Sikkim are advised to postpone their trip until the situation normalizes,” the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department advised.
• After the flood waters recede, the Centre will conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to Sikkim’s hydroelectric projects, the power ministry announced on Thursday. It was also stated that the state-owned NHPC is taking all feasible steps to expedite the hydropower projects’ implementation.

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• Earlier in the day, Sikkim’s chief minister Prem Singh Tamang visited one of the most severely afflicted regions, Singtam, to assess the situation. He also penned a letter to Prime Minister Modi requesting assistance, particularly in areas requiring immediate intervention, according to officials.
• According to a 2013 report from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), the likelihood of Lhonak Lake overflowing its banks was 42%, as reported by Reuters. According to the report, the lake expanded from 17.54 hectares (43.34 acres) in 1977 to 98.73 hectares (243.97 acres) in 2008.

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Elon Musk, the owner of the social media network X, which was formerly known as Twitter, uploaded a meme of Zelensky with the message, “When it’s been five minutes and you haven’t asked for a billion dollars in aid.” X was formerly known as Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/W9i9YEM8uA

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2023

Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to the president of Ukraine, said in response to question X that “any silence or irony towards Ukraine today is a direct encouragement of Russian propaganda that justifies mass violence and destruction.”

In the meantime, the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, has criticized the post while making fun of Elon Musk’s quest to “conquer space” after the explosion that occurred on Elon Musk’s SpaceX spaceship shortly after it was launched in April. According to Ruslan Stefanchuk, the attempt had been unsuccessful in just five minutes and had left the billionaire with a mountain of challenges to climb.

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However, the Ukrainian government has also thanked Elon Musk for launching the Starlink satellites, which have enabled the country’s military personnel to communicate more effectively in regions where telecommunications are disrupted.

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In a tragic turn of events, Himachal Pradesh has recently experienced a monsoon season catastrophe without precedent. Continuous rainfall pummeled the state, causing flash flooding, mudslides, and widespread destruction. The disaster caused substantial loss of life and property.

During the months of July and August, the persistent rainfall caused 168 landslides and 72 flash flooding across the state, severely impacting districts such as Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Chamba. The loss of human life has been appalling, with 481 people killed, 40 people still missing, and 505 people injured.

As, many as 21,129 animals perished, and 6,030 cow sheds were obliterated. There has been widespread destruction of residential and public structures, with 1,186 pucca houses, 1,745 kutcha houses, and 419 commercial buildings in the basement affected. An additional 12,264 homes sustained partial damage, displacing a substantial portion of the population.

The environmental group Himalayan Niti Abhiyaan, led by Kulbushan Upmanyu and based in Chamba, submitted to governor Shiv Pratap Shukla an eight-page report containing suggestions and recommendations to reduce future natural disaster-related losses.

The training of micro-level scientists for the precise delineation of flood-prone areas and the implementation of stringent regulations for infrastructure development within these zones is one of the most important recommendations. In addition to emphasizing the significance of safe disposal of debris from construction projects in progress, the report calls for increased monitoring and scientific investigation of debris discovered in villages.

In addition, the report emphasizes the need to reevaluate land use policies and prioritize geological sensitivity when choosing construction sites. Upmanyu stated that input from geologists should be considered in large infrastructure projects, roads, and four-lane highways in order to reduce the risk of landslides and other geological hazards.

The experts believe that the Beas Valley floods were not solely caused by excessive rainfall; the floating load, including debris from road and tunnel construction, which blocked riverbanks and mid-water played a significant role. This detritus uprooted trees and redirected the river towards urban areas and four-lane highways, thereby exacerbating the catastrophe.

Commercial construction projects have emerged as a major cause of deforestation, imperiling biodiversity and aggravating the ongoing climate crisis. These initiatives have accelerated the rate of deforestation by increasing the demand for water resources. Destruction threats, such as landslides and forest fires, loom simultaneously over both the environment and human settlements.

The report urges a departure from the current trajectory of infrastructure development and commercial initiatives. Instead, it calls for the revival of mixed forestry, which not only protects against natural disasters but also provides food, fuel, medicine, and timber to local communities.

Unchecked urbanization is an additional existential threat, as unplanned growth without adequate drainage infrastructure creates the conditions for landslides and building collapses. The controversial “2041 Shimla Development Plan” is set to double Shimla’s population by 2041, despite being canceled by the NGT in 2018. The report suggests that political pressures played a role in its construction and urges its withdrawal.

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Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the report emphasizes the significance of involving local civil society, non-governmental organizations, and self-governing institutions in decision-making processes. The report suggests that their perspectives, based on in-depth knowledge of their regions, should be fundamental in shaping policies and implementation strategies.

Tourism, a significant contributor to the region’s gross domestic product, has also been affected by the crisis. Infrastructure failures and overpopulation have afflicted the industry. Unrestrained development, excessive automobile traffic, and environmental mismanagement have precipitated a crisis. The report urges a transition to “responsible tourism,” emphasizing the importance of local empowerment and regulation to limit real estate speculation in the name of tourism.

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According to the report titled Karnataka’s Decade – Roadmap to a $1 Trillion Economy, a congestion charge applicable to all non-exempt vehicles entering Bengaluru during peak hours could be implemented to reduce traffic congestion and improve journey times for buses, cars, and delivery vehicles.

The report was released on September 22 by the department of planning, programme monitoring, and statistics in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It proposed multiple measures to alleviate traffic congestion in the state capital.

According to the report, 12 million vehicles enter Bengaluru daily, and 1.2 billion citizens waste 60 billion person-hours annually and roughly 2.8 million liters of fuel per hour due to traffic congestion.

The high density corridors where the congestion tax could be levied include Bellari Road, Tumukuru Road, Magadi Road, Mysuru Road, Kanakapura Road, Bannerghatta Road, Hosur Road, Old Madras Road and Old Airport Road, it said.

“The goal would be to make road users aware of the costs they impose on one another when they drive during rush hour,” the report stated.

It was proposed that the FASTag system, which has been operational in the city since 2021, be used to collect the congestion levy. “The imposition of a congestion fee could generate substantial revenue for the metropolis. Since 2021, FASTag has been effectively implemented in the city. According to the report, it is proposed that the same method be used to collect congestion fees in the city.

“Money from the congestion fee can be spent on other modes of public transportation.” It was stated that a reduction in congestion reduces commuters’ and businesses’ time and expenses. Fewer automobiles will reduce air pollution, making city centers more appealing for pedestrians and cyclists. This would aid in enhancing the quality of life.”

Many cities around the world, including Singapore, London, and Stockholm, have implemented congestion fees.

In addition, the report proposes three new Metro corridors: Old Airport Road (MG Road to Hope Farm via Marathahalli and Whitefield), Old Madras Road (KR Puram to Hoskote – Narsapura industrial area connectivity), and the Inner Ring Road circle. Yeshwantpur, Cantonment, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Ashoka Pillar, and Mahalakshmi Layout will be connected by the Inner Ring Road circle.

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According to research conducted by traffic and mobility expert MN Sreehari and his team in June, Bengaluru experiences a yearly loss of 19,725 crore due to traffic delays, congestion, signal stoppages, time loss, fuel loss, and other factors. Sreehari had provided DK Shivakumar with a report containing recommendations on traffic management and road planning.

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Here’s what we know so far:

– Strongest-ever in Morocco –

According to the US Geological Survey, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake — the strongest in the history of the North African nation — occurred Friday at 11:11 p.m. (2211 GMT) in an area of the Atlas mountain range 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of the city of Marrakesh.

It was also felt in the coastal communities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, as well as Agadir, which was completely rebuilt in the 1960s following a devastating earthquake.

– Historic city hit –

Damage was caused by Friday’s earthquake in the popular tourist destination of Marrakesh, known for its expansive medina, or old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ochre-colored palaces and markets.

The city’s fortifications from the 12th century partially collapsed.

Some residents have camped out on the expansive Jemaa el-Fna square for the past two nights out of concern that their dwellings may also collapse.

– Atlas villages crumple –

In the provinces of Al-Haouz and Taroudant, in the most remote communities of the High Atlas, the devastation was the worst.

Near the epicenter of the earthquake, the mud-brick villages of Tafeghaghte and Moulay Brahim were nearly completely obliterated, according to AFP reporters.

On Saturday, 70 victims out of a population of approximately 100 were interred in Tafeghaghte alone.

– Deaths mount –

According to the most recent data from Morocco’s interior ministry, the earthquake killed at least 2,122 people and injured 2,421, many of whom are in critical condition.

Al-Haouz province recorded the most fatalities with 1,351, followed by Taroudant with over 450 fatalities.

According to Paris, four French citizens were slain.

– Rescue underway –

The race is on to get teams with heavy-lifting apparatus into the worst-affected areas, including mountain villages that are difficult to reach.

The Moroccan army and Red Crescent are conducting the rescue operation.

Caroline Holt, of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated on Saturday that “the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours will be crucial for saving lives.”

Following an official request from Morocco, Spain has dispatched 56 rescue personnel, as well as drilling apparatus and four search dogs.

Other nations are awaiting an invitation before they can intervene.

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Members of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, and Israel — all of whom established diplomatic ties with Rabat in late 2020 — have expressed solidarity with Morocco and offered assistance.

– Three-day mourning –

After a meeting officiated over by King Mohammed VI, Morocco declared three days of national mourning on Saturday.

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