New Delhi: When a stretch of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel collapsed on November 12, 2023, trapping 41 employees inside, it appeared like a hopeless scenario. The tunnel, a part of the Char Dham street challenge in Uttarakhand, was buried below tons of particles and dirt, with no signal of life from the employees. The rescue operation, involving a number of companies and machines, confronted a number of challenges and setbacks, because the tunnel proved to be unstable and unpredictable.
However there was one man who by no means gave up hope and labored tirelessly to discover a approach to attain the trapped employees. He was Arnold Dix, an Australian barrister, scientist, and professor of engineering, who can be the president of the Worldwide Tunnelling and Underground House Affiliation (ITA). The international knowledgeable Arnold Dix additionally carried out worship and bowed his head at a brief temple of Baba Bokhanag constructed close to the mouth of the tunnel.
#WATCH | Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) tunnel rescue | Worldwide Tunneling Professional, Arnold Dix joins a priest in praying for the protected evacuation of 41 employees trapped contained in the Silkyara tunnel. pic.twitter.com/8DZH95SN8x
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023
Dix is a world-renowned knowledgeable on tunnel security and catastrophe investigations, who has been concerned in a number of high-profile initiatives and circumstances, such because the Channel Tunnel, the Sydney Metro, and the 2010 Chilean mine rescue.
Dix Offered Technical Options In Tunnel Rescue
Dix was roped in by the Indian authorities to help within the rescue operation, and he arrived on the positioning on November 20. He inspected the tunnel, coordinated with the varied companies, and advised technical options to beat the difficulties of drilling by way of the rubble. He additionally offered ethical assist and encouragement to the rescuers and the households of the employees, assuring them that they’d be saved by Christmas.
Dix’s efforts paid off on November 28, when all of the 41 employees had been efficiently evacuated from the tunnel, after 17 days of being trapped. Dix expressed his aid and gratitude on the temple outdoors the tunnel, the place he had prayed for the employees’ security. He additionally praised the resilience and cooperation of the Indian authorities and the area people, who had labored collectively to make the rescue attainable.
Dix’s Illustrious Profession
Dix’s profession is marked by quite a few accolades, reflecting his important contributions to tunnel security worldwide. He has acquired awards from the Australasian Tunnelling Society, the Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation of the USA, and the Worldwide Affiliation for Hearth Security Science. He has additionally based the Underground Works Chambers, a platform to supply a safer contractual house for underground works.
Dix isn’t solely a tunnelling knowledgeable, but in addition a humanitarian, who believes in utilizing his expertise and data to save lots of lives and enhance infrastructure. He has mentioned that he’s motivated by the “human factor” of his work, and that he feels a “deep connection” with the folks he helps. He has additionally mentioned that he’s impressed by India’s tradition and spirituality, and that he considers India as his second house.
Dix’s function within the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue has earned him admiration and appreciation from each India and Australia. He has been hailed as a hero and a buddy by the Indian media and the general public, who’ve thanked him for his selfless service.
He has additionally been lauded by the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who mentioned that Dix had proven that Australia is “not simply incredible in cricket, but in addition in tunnelling”. Dix has modestly mentioned that he was simply doing his job, and that he was glad to be of assist.
