Silkyara tunnel cave-in

CONSTRUCTION work has resumed at the Silkyara tunnel two months after its partial collapse, even as a probe conducted by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has now highlighted shortcomings in the design project report, such as the failure to carry out a preparatory geotechnical and geophysical investigation. The USDMA has flagged critical issues related to tunnel construction in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region and the emergency response plans. The probe report has recommended that comprehensive site studies should be prioritised for future projects so as to minimise ‘unforeseen geological challenges’ and an adequate number of exploratory boreholes be built to reduce risks for the workers.

The tunnel had hit the headlines when a portion of it had caved in, trapping 41 labourers. They were rescued more than a fortnight later in a challenging operation during which multiple agencies encountered several obstacles. Hopefully, foolproof safety measures have been put in place to prevent a repeat of the tragedy. In a welcome development, it has been decided that the strategic Sela tunnel, which is expected to provide all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, will be inaugurated only after a third-party safety audit. Such audits, provided they are performed with due diligence, are a must to identify gaps and lapses well in time and carry out course correction.

Another important ongoing project is the Naushera tunnel on the Jammu-Poonch highway. Its breakthrough ceremony was organised by the Border Roads Organisation last week. Such infrastructure ventures serve India’s strategic interests. The key challenge is to ensure that the safety guidelines are enforced strictly and the environmental impact is assessed with scientific rigour. Improving road connectivity is a vital element of overall development, but there should be no laxity in addressing possible pitfalls.

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