Who is the underground specialist overseeing the rescue operation of the collapsed Uttarkashi tunnel, Professor Arnold Dix?

Professor Arnold Dix has gained attention as a result of the collapse of the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, on November 12, which trapped 41 workers. He is a well-known authority on disaster investigations and tunnel safety worldwide. Professor Dix is leading the intricate rescue effort with his experience, demonstrating his skill at handling difficult subterranean circumstances.

LIVE updates on the collapse of the Uttarkashi tunnel

Renowned for his knowledge of disaster response and tunnel safety, Professor Dix is the President of International Tunnelling Underground Space. His qualifications attest to his knowledge in this area. Dix plays a critical role in the current crisis. He is well-known for his ability to investigate technical details and have an intuitive understanding of the subtleties of each project.

Following the tunnel collapse, Dix emphasized the significance of careful planning and safety, noting that while the current situation appears promising, it still needs to be carefully evaluated to prevent additional risks. His method emphasizes the importance of carefully examining and analyzing every facet of these crucial operations.

There's a race against time for the rescue attempt, which involves ' micro tunnelling' and other creative tactics. A road has already been built to the top of the hill to facilitate the drilling of a vertical shaft that will allow workers who are trapped to be rescued. The difficulty of the process is demonstrated by the employment of American-made auger equipment that encountered difficulties when drilling through the trash.

The career of Professor Arnold Dix

Throughout his career, Professor Dix has received several honours, which attest to his important contributions to tunnel safety on a global scale. He was awarded the semi-annual Alan Neyland Australasian Tunnelling Society Award for achievement in tunnelling, with a focus on tunnel fire safety, in 2011.

His revolutionary efforts to improve tunnel fire safety have been acknowledged. In 2022, the National Fire Protection Association of the United States of America presented him with a Committee Service Award, recognising his ongoing and significant contributions to the development of tunnel safety norms and standards.