Ground report | Vertical drilling is tough, needs to be done with extreme care

Now that Plan B of the rescue mission is in place, 30 metres of the total 86 m have been dug vertically, said Niranjan, Puthiya Thalaimurai correspondent who is covering the rescue operation from Uttarakhand. 

The first 10-15 m were relatively easy since rains had softened the top layers of rocks to a certain extent. The harder rocks in the inner layers may pose a larger challenge. "The drilling cannot be done hastily, since the safety and welfare of the rescue team is also involved," he pointed out.

He further said vertical drilling is a lot more difficult than horizontal. The team is looking at 2-3 ways to make inroads, including tiny detonators that will aid the digging without causing harm. Use of chemicals is also being considered.

"By evening or night we will get a better picture of when the rescue operation can be completed," he said.