Primary report of Uttarkashi Tunnel accident came out, many revelations regarding safety standards, rules were also ignored

Experts have submitted the preliminary investigation report of the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel accident to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. In which selection of wrong alignment in shear zone, re-profiling of the project without making adequate safety arrangements and not learning lessons from previous accidents have been cited as the reasons. Let us tell you that on December 13, a six-member central investigation team had reached Silkyara. Which thoroughly investigated the reasons behind the accident for three days and after that the team returned back to Delhi on 15 December.

There was a shortage of sensors and equipment inside the tunnel

According to sources, it has been said in the report that the construction company had not received permission for the method of work from the authorized engineer appointed by the executing agency NHIDCL. There was also a shortage of sensors and equipment inside the tunnel. Sensors and instruments monitor the behavior of the ground during re-profiling. So that necessary precautions can be taken in time. Apart from this, the report also revealed that NHIDCL officials did not do necessary monitoring of the tunnel construction work.

Tunnel accident happened on 12th November

In tunnel construction, re-profiling is necessary to repair any anomalies like distortion before final lining, but even though re-profiling is necessary in the tunnel, proper support system was not provided here immediately after digging. This was revealed by installing ribs of rebar instead of garter ribs in the landslide area. Let us tell you that on November 12, there was a landslide in Silkyara Tunnel. Due to which 41 laborers were trapped in the tunnel, who were taken out safely.

What is shear zone?

Dr. Sushil Kumar, retired geoscientist from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, said that shear zones are the most sensitive areas of any rock. In which it is necessary to take extra precautions during construction. He said that in the age of technology, construction is possible even in shear zone, but for this, while digging in shear zone, its packing i.e. treatment is necessary.

Landslides had happened many times before

After the successful rescue, a senior official had said that landslides had occurred in the Silkyara tunnel about 21 times before, but despite this, lessons were not learned from the earlier accidents. Due to which the lives of 41 laborers were in danger.

Recommendation to set up a tunnel center

The investigation report has recommended setting up a tunnel center for roads and railways to prevent such accidents in future. Emphasis has also been laid on developing a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tunnel safety and developing a geological collaborative platform for project construction, especially in the Himalayan region.