Published in Dwarka Express on 2.12.23

By the time, this newspaper reaches your hands, we pretty well know that you are celebrating one more Diwali, hailing the work of rescue team as well as the recued workers of the Sikyara Tunnel, Uttarakhand. South Express too joins the bandwagon of the millions who rejoice in spontaneous emotions and sense of relief. Of course, this is the time for celebration. We do not deny it. At the same time, there are certain pertinent questions that need soul searching.

Are we doing the right thing in drilling a tunnel to build a road?  If the road goes around the silkyara hill, any traveller will have to cover a distance 45 KMS whereas the tunnel route will reduce the distance by 45 Kms as the travel will take about 4.5 KMs. Proponents of infra development may argue that tunnelling reduces carbon footprints on fossil fuel front. Though this is attractive, we should not be myopic and ignore the recent Joshi math tragedy. The scientific community often warned the impact of tunnels in the zone that has tectonic fault lines. The Himalayas were formed due to continental drifts and is still prone to loose rock collisions. The Hyderabad based Navayoga Engg. Co., constructing Silkyara tunnel is said to have flouted the safety norms. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should have been subject to thorough quality audits before environmental clearance was accorded. It appears that escape route was not planned though it is needed for tunnelling beyond 3 KMs. It appears that escape route was not planned though it is needed for tunnelling beyond 3 KMs. When the 41 tunnel workers were trapped, we shed crocodile tears, appreciate bravery and after sometime, life goes on as usual. The assessment report will bring everything to light soon.

Of course, the trapped workers had the grit and will power as most of them are young. They are naturally empowered to face all adversities in life as they do not sit in posh AC rooms. Had the collapse happened after commencement of the tunnel route, just think of those who have claustrophobia or those who are elderly. Had some tourists been trapped, what would be the repercussion? Had there been no communication possibilities in the instant case, what would have happened for the trapped workers? The developmental activities must focus on sustainability aspects. Mega Projects need thorough and comprehensive EIA. EC must be given only after proper geological studies and simultaneous building of escape route is essential for avoiding ‘future Silkyaras’. NGT had banned rat mining activities. But when machines failed, the rescue team had to rely on man who risks his life to make the tunnel like a rat. But he is also at risk, which we should not forget. Landslides, cloudbursts, earthquakes are frequently happening. Warning bell is already ringing loud. It is better to revisit all the ongoing or just completed tunnelling projects executed in the last decade in the geologically delicate Himalayas. Save Himalayas, save Human lives!