Uttarkashi

1. The 17-day ordeal for 41 trapped workers in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel concluded successfully on Tuesday.
2. Rat-hole mining experts, skilled in manual drilling, broke through the last stretch of rubble around 7 pm.
3. The NDRF and SDRF entered the steel chute to reach and rescue the trapped workers.

Uttarkashi, Nov 29: The 17-day ordeal for the 41 labourers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi concluded on Tuesday with a successful rescue operation. Here are the top points of the Uttarkashi tunnel rescue:

Successful Rescue Operation:

    • Rat-hole mining experts, specialized in manual drilling, broke through the last stretch of rubble around 7 pm.
    • A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force, Assam (SDRF), entered the steel chute to reach the trapped workers.
    • The workers were brought out on wheeled stretchers one by one, with the first ambulance leaving the tunnel around 8 pm.

Relief and Emotions:

    • Loud cheers and slogans erupted outside the tunnel as people greeted the ambulances.
    • Anxious relatives, who had been camping in the area, were emotional as they were united with the workers after days of uncertainty.
    • Families distributed ‘laddoos’ back home to celebrate the successful rescue.

Challenges in the Operation:

    • The exit of the under-construction tunnel was blocked after a portion collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 workers inside.
    • Rat-hole mining experts were called in for manual drilling after a large auger boring machine got stuck in the horizontal passage.
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    • Officials had lined up alternative options if the initial approaches failed, including vertical drilling from above the tunnel.

Medical Checkup and Well-being:

    • The workers crawled out of the collapsed tunnel, and NDRF personnel helped them move out safely.
    • An ambulance with the first worker left the mouth of the tunnel around 8 pm after a quick medical checkup inside.
    • Chief Minister Dhami stated that no worker was in critical condition, and they would be kept under medical observation before being sent home.

Appreciation from Leaders:

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the successful operation, commending the spirit of humanity and teamwork.
    • PM Modi spoke to the rescued construction workers, admiring their courage and patience.
    • Chief Minister Dhami thanked PM Modi for constant support and motivation during the rescue operation.

Rewards and Safety Measures:

    • Chief Minister Dhami announced Rs 1 lakh for each of the 41 construction workers.
    • The Baukhnag temple at the mouth of the tunnel will be rebuilt, and the under-construction tunnels in the hill state will undergo a safety audit.

The successful rescue operation marked the end of a challenging 17-day ordeal for the trapped workers, with expressions of relief, gratitude, and recognition from leaders for the collaborative efforts and courage displayed during the mission.