'Himalayas are not Alps': Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder 'not to mess' with world's youngest mountains

For nearly a week, 40 workers have been trapped in an under-construction tunnel in India's mountainous state of Uttarakhand due to a landslide that demolished its entrance.

Rescue efforts, including attempts to insert wide pipes for the workers to crawl through, have been ongoing since November 12. The trapped labourers have been supplied with oxygen, food, and water through a pipe and are responsive, according to local authorities. They have also been given antidepressants to support them in managing the emotional impact of their ordeal.

In the latest, rescue personnel engaged in drilling operations are nearing a successful breakthrough, according to officials. As of Wednesday evening (Nov 22), authorities expressed confidence that the workers could be freed by Thursday afternoon (Nov 23).

First visuals of the trapped labourers were released after ten days of intense rescue efforts. 

A camera, inserted through a six-inch pipe placed in the debris which is also being used to deliver food to the labourers captured their images.

The labourers, donning hard hats and work gear with thick beards, were seen waving to the camera, conveying that they are handling the situation well. Rescue officials, communicating with the workers through Walkie Talkies or radio handsets, were heard instructing the workers to step in front of the camera.

"Aap camera ke paas walkie talkie pe aake baat karein (come in front of the camera and talk to us through walkie talkie)", an official urged them.

"We will bring you out safely, do not worry," rescuers were heard telling the labourers.

Watch the first visuals here:

The tunnel is a crucial segment of the flagship Char Dham highway programme, a project covering nearly 900 kilometres designed to enhance the travel experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting local Hindu temples.

This incident, the latest in a series of disasters in the Himalayan state in recent years, highlights the inherent risks of construction in this geologically sensitive region. Critics contend that the construction of dams, roads, and other significant infrastructure in the area contributes to the increased frequency and severity of such incidents.

Over the years, scientists have scrutinised these large-scale infrastructure projects, citing the damage they bring about to the planet’s youngest mountain range.

Also read | Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Efforts underway to save 41 workers, will take 4-5 days, says official

"These areas need to be investigated first, the geology of the area needs to be understood before you start excavating an area. No proper environmental or geological assessment has been done there," renowned geologist, Dr CP Rajendran told WION.

None of the local contractors digging these tunnels understand the geology of the area. The Char Dham project, in particular, has not undertaken any proper environmental assessment, he said.

The dangers of large-scale development are exacerbated by climate change, with scientists indicating that the Himalayas are experiencing warming at a significantly faster pace than the rest of the planet.

Asked if it was okay to undertake such a massive project like the Uttarkashi tunnel, Dr Rajendran answered with a "no".

"You cannot have a massive project like this on a terrain like the Himalayas. These are not the Alps. The Himalayas are a young, dynamic, and growing mountain range, and the terrain itself is under tremendous pressure," he added.

According to a 2021 study conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) and published in the Journal of Earth Systems, more than half of Uttarakhand, specifically 51 per cent, which includes Uttarkashi, is identified as being in 'high and very high' landslide-prone zones.

Also watch | Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: Rescuers considering opening vertical shaft to free 41 men 

Experts argue that the mishap could also be attributed to the natural composition of the rocks.

The Silkyara tunnel is being built in an area comprising limestone and other soft rocks that have a tendency to collapse, explained Dr Rajendran.

"Since limestone is highly reactive to water, it tends to lose its rock mass in the long term and cannot handle the pressure from these big-scale construction activities," he said.

As the ongoing rescue operations unfold, the entire nation watches with bated breath, hopeful for the safe rescue of the trapped workers. Yet, the overarching danger of tunneling through the fragile Himalayan landscape continues to cast a shadow of concern.