Chamoli Disaster: 'Drills in place, good sign,' says NTPC Tapovan GM

NTPC Tapovan and Project in-charge, General Manager RP Ahirwar briefed the media on rescue operation underway in tunnel located near Tapovan dam.

He said that the teams have punctured the safety tunnel of 11.6 metre, and have placed the drills.

"Our drills are in place which is a good sign," he added.

RP Ahirwar said, "Our calculation was accurate and we have punctured the safety tunnel at mark of 11.6 m.

Pressure is released.

Our drills are in place which is a good sign.

We will widen hole so that pumping can be attempted.

We will bring another vehicle to the site, with that we will be able to do large sized-drillings.

When that hole is done, we will tell you about our further plans.

Drilling of rocks is done and we have reached the tunnel.

There can be either slush or water in there."