U'khand tunnel rescue: robotics expert implements mental well-being monitoring for trapped labourers

In the efforts to rescue 41 labourers trapped within the confines of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, robotics expert Milind Raj has introduced a pioneering approach. Speaking to ANI on Monday, November 27, Raj highlighted the utilisation of indigenous technology through robots to ensure the mental well-being of those stranded.

"This is homegrown indigenous technology. Now, the robots will monitor their mental health. We have systems to monitor the health of workers round-the-clock," Raj affirmed, underlining the role of this innovation in assessing and addressing the psychological state of the trapped workers. Explaining further the capabilities of the robotic system, Raj detailed, "This robotic system has three functions. It has a gas detection system; apart from this, it will provide internet service and also monitor the health of the trapped labourers from a distance of 100 metres from its position."

He underscored the potential of this technology in improving the mental condition of the affected individuals, citing a successful application during a previous rescue operation in Lucknow, where a similar robotic system played a crucial role in saving lives after a building collapse.

"We can work to improve their mental condition. Before this, a building had collapsed in Lucknow, in which 14 people were saved alive. We used the same robotic system in the operations," Raj emphasised, showcasing the efficacy of this approach.

Assuring a prompt setup and initiation of the system, Raj confirmed, "One machine will remain here and our sensors will go ahead at a distance of 100 metres, which will give us their inputs. Very soon, we will set up our system here, and the work will start."

Earlier today, a delegation led by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pramod Kumar Mishra, assessed the ongoing rescue efforts, joined by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Uttarakhand Chief Secretary SS Sandhu. The inspection aimed to overview the progress within the tunnel.

Microtunneling expert Chris Cooper also reported the successful removal of all debris from the auger machine, marking the forthcoming initiation of manual drilling to reach the trapped workers. Former Army Engineer-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Harpal Singh (Retd), affirmed the inevitability of the manual method to reach the stranded workers, advocating its immediacy.

According to reports, efforts including the rat-hole mining technique through manual drilling are underway to expedite the rescue process. A specialised team comprising army engineers and civilians is dedicated to this mission, striving tirelessly to free those trapped within the confines of the tunnel.