Kathmandu, Sept. 3: Indian and Nepali technical teams have advanced about 100 metres inside the Chilime power house tunnel in Syabrubesi, Rasuwa, as rescue operations continue for people believed to be trapped following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood.

An Indian technical team currently stationed in Syabrubesi, near Chilime, is working alongside the Nepali Army to excavate and clear the tunnel using specialized equipment. The team has so far managed to explore approximately 100 metres into the tunnel despite extremely difficult ground conditions.

The ongoing operation is being carried out in challenging terrain, with rescuers encountering swamp-like ground and unstable conditions inside and around the tunnel. The difficult environment has slowed the operation but has not deterred the teams from continuing their efforts.

India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, along with embassy officials, has been personally monitoring and inspecting the rescue operations, even putting themselves at risk in the process. Their presence has provided additional encouragement to the technical teams.

The Indian technical team is preparing to bring in heavy equipment to further advance the excavation and exploration inside the tunnel. The additional machinery is expected to help the teams clear difficult sections and reach deeper areas that cannot be accessed effectively with the equipment currently in use.

The joint operation reflects the close coordination between Indian technical specialists and the Nepali Army in one of the most challenging rescue efforts following the Bhotekoshi disaster. Specialized expertise and equipment are being deployed to navigate the tunnel and assess the possibility of locating and rescuing those who remain unaccounted for.

During an inspection of the operation, the difficult conditions faced by the rescue teams were observed firsthand. The swamp-like terrain and complicated ground conditions have created significant obstacles, requiring the teams to proceed carefully while maintaining continuous excavation and search efforts.

Despite the harsh working environment, both Indian and Nepali teams have continued their operations without interruption. Their efforts are focused on advancing further into the tunnel, clearing obstructions and gathering information that could assist in the ongoing rescue mission.

The deployment of additional heavy equipment is expected to strengthen the operation in the coming phase. Rescue officials and technical personnel are continuing to assess the tunnel conditions while determining the safest and most effective way to advance deeper inside.

The joint Indian-Nepali operation has become a crucial component of the wider rescue effort in the flood-hit Rasuwa region, where hydropower infrastructure and surrounding areas suffered extensive damage. The challenging tunnel conditions underline the complexity of the search operation, but rescue teams remain committed to continuing their work until all possible avenues for locating those trapped or missing have been explored.