A panel assigned to investigate the collapse of Uttarakhand ‘s Silkyara tunnel in November has flagged significant shortcomings in the project’s planning phase. Emphasizing the critical importance of safety in tunnel construction projects, the committee underscored the necessity of thorough safety audits and adherence to construction standards to prevent future incidents.
The 4.5km-long Silkyara tunnel collapsed in November, trapping forty-one workers for 17 days under a massive debris wall. The subsequent rescue operation, employing manual drilling methods, highlighted the precarious conditions faced by the trapped workers. The expert committee, led by Shantanu Sarkar, director of Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, was tasked with probing the collapse and identifying lapses in the project.
According to the committee’s 70-page report, accessed by HT, the project’s design report lacked detailed geotechnical and geophysical investigations, indicating gaps in the planning process. The absence of essential safety features such as escape routes and alarm systems further exacerbated the risks associated with the tunnel construction.
The report emphasized the necessity of comprehensive site studies and real-time instrumental monitoring to mitigate geological risks and ensure proactive responses to dynamic conditions within the tunnel. It called for the formulation of project-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), proper training for workers, and the establishment of technical advisory committees to oversee tunnel projects’ progress.
Furthermore, the committee stressed the importance of interdepartmental coordination and adherence to construction standards to prevent structural failures. It recommended regular inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs to address minor issues before they escalate into significant problems.
The report also highlighted the seismic considerations unique to the Himalayan region, emphasizing the need for tunnels to be designed accordingly. By addressing the identified gaps and implementing the proposed recommendations, the committee aims to enhance safety measures and inform future tunnel constructions in challenging geological conditions.
The findings of the report shed light on the critical need for meticulous planning and stringent safety protocols in tunnel construction projects, particularly in geologically fragile regions like the Himalayas. Adhering to these recommendations will be imperative to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of workers involved in such projects.
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