Citing cost, time overrun, Uttarkashi project said no to separate rescue tunnel

• The recent incident in the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi district may not have arisen had the project not ruled out the option of a separate escape tunnel, according to environmental impact assessment (EIA) report

Key Highlights of the reports

Rejected Safety Measures

• The EIA report dismissed the option of a "separation wall" with "egress openings" for emergency escape.
• During construction, the design was altered for better space utilization and traffic safety, placing a divider in the middle.
• A tunnelling expert argues that only a separate evacuation tunnel could have helped in a total blockage situation.
• The project rejected the idea of a separate evacuation tunnel due to concerns about cost, time overrun, and low traffic volume.

Char Dham Project and Environmental Clearance

• The Silkyara-Barkot tunnel is part of the Char Dham project exempted from environmental clearance for linear projects under 100 km.
• The High Powered Committee (HPC) was formed in August 2019 to guide the EIA process.
• In September 2020, 37 rapid EIA reports were submitted, including one rejecting the twin-tunnel option chosen by the Silkyara tunnel.

Prelims Takeaway

• Char Dham Project
• Silkyara tunnel