New Delhi: In the aftermath of Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel collapse where 41 workers were trapped for 17 days in November, an expert panel constituted to probe the incident underlined that there was an absence of an escape route and alarm systems in the structure and pointed out other shortcomings in the planning and designing of the tunnel, Hindustan Times reported.“There was no escape route and an alarm system in case of tragedy. Even monitoring was not proper,” said Shantanu Sarkar, director of Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, who led the six-member expert committee, as per the Hindustan Times report.The panel underlined that the design report “lacked detailed geotechnical and geophysical investigations”. Further, the 70-page report called for a detailed safety audit of the tunnel, adding that safety should never be compromised to meet completion targets.“Conducting more exploratory bore-holes and geophysical investigations can identify critical geological features and minimise risks during construction,” the report mentioned, as per Hindustan Times. Forty-one workers were trapped for 17 days in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi after it collapsed. They were pulled out after manual digging for over 26 hours with the help of the primitive rat-hole mining method.Other key highlights of the report “Manual monitoring, conducted periodically, may not provide timely insights into evolving situations. Shifting towards real-time monitoring can offer proactive responses to dynamic conditions within the tunnel,” the report mentioned, as per Hindustan Times. “Implementing an evacuation plan, such as installing concrete hume pipes, is essential to facilitate quick evacuation in the event of a collapse tragedy. Incorporating an alarm system for evacuation is essential to ensure the safety of works….,” the panel added.Also read: ’19-20′ Collapses During Silkyara Tunnel Construction in Last 5 Years: ReportRecommendationsAccording to the panel, for a Silkyara-like project in the future comprehensive site study – assessing rock formations, seismic activity, and potential risks to ensure that tunnels are designed to withstand the geological challenges of the region – is required.As per Hindustan Times, the report recommended formulation of project-specific Standard Operating Procedures and proper training for workers. For tunnel collapses, the panel suggested that detailed and scenario-specific emergency plans should be formulated. It also underlined that design engineers should conduct regular inspections to identify “deviations and implement corrective measures to deal with geological surprises” and technical advisory committee should also be constituted to visit the tunnel at regular intervals.In order to regularly monitor similar projects in the Himalayas, the panel suggested an interdepartmental coordination committee to be constituted at the national, state, and district levels. It also said a system should be established for monitoring the structural health of tunnels post-construction, as per the Hindustan Times. “Adhering to the prescribed rate of tunnel excavation is vital to maintaining stability and preventing unforeseen ground deformations,” the report noted.As per Hindustan Times, the report added that tunnels must be designed keeping seismic considerations of the Himalayan region in mind. “The proposed recommendations aim to address the gaps identified in the Silkyara tunnel project, enhance safety measures, and inform future tunnel constructions in challenging geological conditions.”According to Hindustan Times, National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), the tunnel’s executing agency, rejected the report. “We do not agree with the findings. We will not take into cognisance,” said NHIDCL director Anshu Manish Khalkho.“Manual monitoring, conducted periodically, may not provide timely insights into evolving situations. Shifting towards real-time monitoring can offer proactive responses to dynamic conditions within the tunnel,” the report mentioned, as per Hindustan Times. “Implementing an evacuation plan, such as installing concrete hume pipes, is essential to facilitate quick evacuation in the event of a collapse tragedy. Incorporating an alarm system for evacuation is essential to ensure the safety of works….,” the panel added.