Joint Indian and Nepal Army teams battle mud, water and debris to open access for heavy machinery….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Indian rescue personnel continued efforts inside Nepal’s Chilime Tunnel on Saturday, working alongside the Nepal Army to clear heavy debris, mud and water as operations continued in one of the areas worst affected by devastating flash floods.
The joint India-Nepal rescue operation has faced severe challenges inside the tunnel, where debris and mud have accumulated deep within the structure, hampering access for heavy machinery.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal said rescue teams remained on the ground despite the difficult conditions.
“Take a look at the ongoing rescue operations being carried out by the Indian rescue team in close coordination with the Nepali Army, inside the Chilime Tunnel. The joint team India-Nepal continues their work despite challenges posed by heavy debris, water and mud,” the embassy said in a post on X, sharing images of the operation.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said teams were working to remove material blocking the tunnel so that heavy equipment could be deployed further inside.
According to the ambassador, debris, water and mud in parts of the tunnel have accumulated close to the roof, making the operation particularly challenging.
“India and Nepal rescue teams continue to remove heavy debris, water and mud, which in the interior has reached close to the roof of the Chilime tunnel. This would allow heavy machinery to be taken deep into the tunnel,” Srivastava said.
In parallel, authorities are attempting to create an access route from nearby Syafrubesi to the tunnel portal, a move expected to significantly strengthen the rescue effort.
The difficult terrain and narrow valley surrounding the site have limited the use of heavy-lift helicopters, making road access crucial for transporting equipment.
Once the route is completed, an excavator could be brought closer to the tunnel to assist teams working to clear the debris and reach deeper sections of the site.
The rescue operation forms part of India’s wider humanitarian assistance programme following devastating floods in Nepal, which have caused widespread destruction and left thousands of people unaccounted for.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that New Delhi had so far dispatched around 95 tonnes of relief material to Nepal aboard seven aircraft, alongside specialist personnel supporting rescue and relief operations.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India would continue providing assistance in line with requirements communicated by the Nepalese government.
The Indian contingent includes 54 personnel, comprising 30 tunnel rescue specialists, 19 forensic experts and a five-member medical team.
“Till now, we have supplied around 95 tonnes of relief materials on seven aircraft. In addition to the relief material, we have also sent 54 personnel to support relief and rescue efforts in Nepal,” Jaiswal said.
India is also preparing to send additional assistance, including forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other materials requested by Nepalese authorities.
With rescue teams continuing to battle hazardous conditions inside the Chilime Tunnel, efforts remain focused on clearing access routes and bringing heavier equipment to the site as the joint operation enters a critical phase.
