THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Uttarkashi, Nov 13: A section of the tunnel under construction between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri national highway in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand collapsed on Sunday morning, trapping at least 40 workers.
Rescue operations resumed on Monday in an attempt to reach about 40 workers who are still believed to be trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel.
Officials reported that the stranded workers are safe, they have established communication with them and oxygen is being given via a pipeline installed in the tunnel for water supply. Food supplies were sent to the stranded workers via the same pipe at night by applying pressure using a compressor.
In the mean time, large excavator machines have been put into action to clear away the debris. Rescue teams report that there is an additional 35 meters of debris to clear before reaching the spot where the 40 trapped workers are situated.
Following notification of the incident, the Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police (SP), Arpan Yaduvanshi, stated that a search and rescue operation was promptly initiated by the Police, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel on the scene.
On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the site and assessed the ongoing rescue operations.
Dhami mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inquired about the incident and has given assurances of providing all necessary assistance.
“We are in touch with everyone regarding the incident. PM Modi took information about the entire incident yesterday and he has assured us of all possible assistance. Experts, NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed so that people can be evacuated safely”, he said.
“Our priority is to evacuate all 40 workers. We also want to assure all the families that the Central Government and the State Government are very serious about this matter. We are making every possible effort. Rescue work has been going on throughout the night. Communication has also been established,” CM Dhami stated.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that the falling debris was causing an issue and hoped that the personnel who were stranded would soon be rescued.
“The Hume pipes we need here are being brought from Haridwar. We hope that the people will come out soon. There is difficulty in removing the debris but still all the teams are making every possible effort,” he added.
Anshu Manish Khalko, Director of NHIDCL (National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) stated, “The situation is better now. The workers are safe. We are providing food and water. There are nearly 40 people inside. We are trying our best.”
The District Magistrate of Uttarkashi, Abhishek Rohhila said, “We have information regarding an accident here. The rescue operation was initiated by the government, police, health, and response forces, including the NDRF and SDRF, upon their arrival. Our goal is to get those who are stuck inside out as quickly as possible.”
