After the landslide in the tunnel under construction in Uttarkashi, there is a strong need for pre-planned disaster management preparations in such construction works. Because, after such an incident, relief and rescue operations take a lot of time. Therefore, some arrangements should be made in advance so that the workers and other staff trapped in the tunnel can be safely evacuated within a short time.
According to tunnel construction experts, 17 measures need to be taken in advance for disaster management in such a project. The most important thing in this is that the workers and other staff working in the tunnel should be given training to deal with disaster situations. Also, at least one such staff should be deployed who is proficient in taking various rescue measures during a disaster. Because, in such an incident, evacuation can take a long time and during this period, saving life is the most important thing.
These arrangements should be made before the construction of the tunnel
Apart from this, concrete arrangements should be made in advance to maintain visibility and adequate availability of oxygen inside the tunnel. There is always a need to make workers and technical staff sensitive to the surrounding area and the changes seen in it. If there is any doubt during construction, the workers should have the tendency to ask immediately. Regular checking of machines and equipment is necessary from time to time and special caution is also required while operating heavy machines.
This precaution is also necessary
Ample availability of water at workplace
proper ventilation efforts
The tunnel floor should be kept as clean as possible
Continuous communication between workers and other staff
A proper perimeter should be established
Better maintenance of electrical equipment and wires
Set up separate work areas
Work should be done only by wearing safety equipment
It is important to learn from the incident of 2005. Tunnel construction expert Sharad Rawat said that during the landslide incident in Silkyara Tunnel, thick steel pipes should have been made available immediately. Because, the incident of tunnel being blocked by landslide is not new to Uttarakhand. He said that in 2005, when the tunnel of Maneri Bhali Hydroelectric Project in Uttarkashi was blocked by a landslide, workers were trapped inside.
Measures should be taken for disaster management
However, 20 workers were taken out within 14 hours through thick steel pipes. Therefore, it is necessary to make prior arrangements for disaster management in case of landslides during tunnel construction. Had thick steel pipes been available, the workers would probably have been taken out safely by Monday.
