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Uttarakhand: Silkyara Tunnel collapse reasons revealed in the panel report

Reasons behind the Silkyara Tunnel collapse incident. Find out what the expert panel discovered about design flaws and safety measures.

By Ground Report Desk 07 Mar 2024

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Uttarakhand: Silkyara Tunnel collapse reasons revealed in the panel report

In response to the collapse of Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel, which trapped 41 workers for 17 days in November, authorities constituted an expert panel to investigate the incident. The panel pointed out that the structure lacked an escape route and alarm systems, and they identified other flaws in the planning and designing of the tunnel.

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Panel exposes project design flaws

A panel, established to investigate the collapse, has recently presented a comprehensive 70-page report to the government. This report casts a critical eye on the project, revealing significant design shortcomings, including the lack of an escape route and an alarm system for emergencies.

The National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), responsible for the tunnel’s construction, has disputed the panel’s findings. NHIDCL’s Director, Anshu Manish Khalkho, expressed disagreement with the report’s conclusions. Despite this, NHIDCL’s Project Manager, Deepak Patil, assured that extensive safety measures were in place, detailing the deployment of engineers and experts to assess the tunnel’s conditions during the rescue operation.

"The report, as per Hindustan Times, mentioned that conducting manual monitoring periodically might not provide timely insights into evolving situations. It suggested that shifting towards real-time monitoring could proactively respond to dynamic conditions within the tunnel.

The panel added that it is essential to implement an evacuation plan, such as installing concrete hume pipes, to facilitate quick evacuation in the event of a collapse tragedy. They also stressed the importance of incorporating an alarm system for evacuation to ensure the safety of workers.

Looking forward, NHIDCL has outlined plans to initiate tunnel excavation work only after a thorough investigation. High-quality cameras will be utilized to survey the interior conditions, followed by the installation of new pumps and operators to manage water removal.

Panel stresses site study importance

A panel investigating the Silkyara tunnel project has emphasized the need for thorough site studies, including analysis of rock formations, seismic activities, and potential hazards, to ensure future tunnels can endure the region’s geological challenges.

The report, advises the creation of specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the necessity of worker training. It calls for detailed emergency plans tailored to different scenarios and regular inspections by design engineers to promptly address any deviations or surprises.

The panel recommends forming an interdepartmental coordination committee across national, state, and district levels to monitor such projects in the Himalayas consistently. Additionally, a system for post-construction structural health monitoring of tunnels is proposed. Maintaining the prescribed rate of tunnel excavation is crucial to avoid unexpected ground deformations, and seismic factors specific to the Himalayas should be considered in tunnel designs.

The incident, which occurred in a section of the 4.5-kilometer-long tunnel, involved workers from Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the need for stringent safety protocols in such large-scale infrastructure projects.