Chetna Stuck in Rajasthan Borewell as Rescue Efforts Reach Day Eight
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Jaipur, Dec 30 (NationPress) Three-year-old Chetna remains ensnared in a borewell in Kotputli, Rajasthan, as rescue efforts mark the eighth day on Monday.
According to officials, rescue teams have made significant progress and are nearing Chetna, who fell into a 700-foot-deep borewell on December 23. The girl is located at a depth of approximately 170 feet. Those managing the operation are optimistic that they will reach her by noon.
As of 6:30 a.m. on Monday, personnel from the NDRF had successfully excavated about 7 feet of a tunnel, with only 1.5 feet of solid rock left to penetrate. The density of the rock is considerably hindering their pace, with drilling progressing at a rate of just 2-4 inches per hour.
NDRF team member Mahavir Singh reported that as they dig deeper, the temperature within the tunnel is increasing, leading to breathing complications due to the dust. Nevertheless, the team is proceeding with careful determination.
The drilling team faces additional difficulties due to the challenging angle and exceptionally hard rock. Yogesh Kumar Meena, in charge of the NDRF, mentioned that experts have been enlisted to ensure the tunnel is accurately aligned. Engineers from Hindustan Zinc Limited (encompassing Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Khetri Mines) and local construction experts have been consulted to confirm the alignment of both the borewell and the tunnel. Additionally, personnel from the Air Force and BSF have been engaged to verify the drilling direction. All evaluations to date suggest that the drilling is on the correct trajectory.
Chetna fell into the borewell while playing on December 23 at approximately 2 p.m.. Despite numerous attempts using makeshift methods, she has only been raised by 30 feet.
Since her fall, Chetna has had no access to water, and officials have reported no signs of her movement since the evening of December 24. In recent days, they have chosen not to disclose camera footage or updates regarding her condition.
The rescue mission is ongoing as it enters its eighth day, with teams hurrying to secure Chetna's rescue.
Officials have been discreet about Chetna's state after eight days of entrapment. District Collector Kalpana Agarwal described this as the most arduous rescue operation in Rajasthan. On December 28, Chetna's family and local residents criticized the authorities for what they deemed negligence in managing the crisis.
