Now Reading: Seepage, slush in Uttarkashi tunnel raise safety concerns
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Seepage, slush in Uttarkashi tunnel raise safety concerns
Water seepage from the left wall of the 370-metre-long Tambakhani tunnel at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand has led to accumulation of mud and slush on the pedestrian walkway, raising safety concerns. Built in 2013 at Rs 19 crore, the tunnel has faced persistent seepage since construction, worsening during monsoons. Residents say this is the third such incident in four years and that poor lighting and slush pose a serious risk to pilgrims using the tunnel as the gateway to the Gangotri shrine.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) took over management from the irrigation department five months ago. BRO Executive Engineer Sumit Verma said the agency has written to the government for a specialised technical agency to conduct a hydrological and engineering study of the seepage, and that the DPR and tendering process is complete. BRO Commander Raj Kishore said a proposal for comprehensive rehabilitation has been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Selection of a construction agency through competitive bidding is underway, and permanent repairs will follow the study's recommendations.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Tambakhani tunnel is the only road access to Gangotri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, meaning any disruption affects lakhs of pilgrims annually and local businesses. The BRO's takeover five months ago and the need for a separate hydrological study suggest the seepage issue may be more complex than routine repairs can fix. The government's next step will be to approve the DPR and award the contract, with the tendering process already completed. Watch for the study's findings and the timeline for permanent repairs, as any further delay during the next monsoon could force a closure of this critical route.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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