Dehradun: Taking a lesson from the collapse of a section of Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district, the Uttarakhand government has started the process for the creation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the construction of tunnels in future.
Vinod Kumar Suman, secretary, disaster management and rehabilitation, shared this information with the officials during a virtual meeting held on Thursday.
The government seeks suggestions from different organizations
The state government is seeking suggestions from the prominent institutes, including Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
DMs to give their suggestions
Suman, who held a virtual meeting with the district magistrates to review the preparations for the winter Char Dham Yatra, asked the officials to send their suggestions regarding creation of SOP for the construction of tunnels.
Silkyara incident had hit the national headlines
The Silkyara incident, in which a section of the under-construction Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel collapsed on November 12, 2024, had hit the national headlines. Following the collapse, 41 workers were trapped inside the tunnel. Later, a massive rescue operation was launched. All 41 workers were rescued. The tunnel is planned to connect National Highway 134 in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
Send a proposal for the requirement of fund, if any, to meet the challenges of cold waves
Meanwhile, Suman, the secretary of disaster management, also asked the district magistrates to send a proposal to the state government, if they require the same to face the challenges of cold waves in their districts concerned.
He also directed the officials to ensure that there should not be any problem for the pilgrims, who arrive for the winter Char Dham Yatra, in the state in view of the winter season.
Pay attention to reports about the weather condition and the condition of roads in the hills
He directed the officials to allow the pilgrims to go ahead only after collecting reports about the weather condition, besides the condition of the roads in the hills. He also asked them to make arrangements for the stay of pilgrims at a safe place in case the roads are blocked due to snowfall.
He also underlined the need for strengthening the system of community radio in view of the tough topography in the hills.
