Uttarkashi: The rescue operation for the 41 laborers trapped in the under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, is still underway, nine days after the tunnel collapsed due to a landslide. The rescue team managed to install a 6-inch wide pipe deep inside the tunnel, which crossed the debris and reached the worker 60 meters away. Through this pipe, the trapped workers will be able to receive proper food and medical supplies, as well as communicate with the rescue team.
Anshu Manish Khalkho, Director, NHIDCL, said that this was their first success and their first priority, after striving for the last nine days. He said that they could also hear the voices of the trapped workers through the pipe. He said that they would provide them with proper food and medical supplies through the pipe.
Earlier, the rescue team was able to send only a 4-inch pipe inside the tunnel, which was not sufficient to send adequate food to the workers. The workers were surviving on dry fruits, puffed rice, multivitamins, and anti-depressant medicines, which were sent through the pipe. However, now with the 6-inch pipe, the workers will be able to get more nutritious and filling food, such as potato pieces, porridge, and khichdi. The food is being sent in plastic bottles through the pipe, taking care of the health and well-being of the workers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and assured him of the necessary rescue equipment and resources from the central government. He also stressed the need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers and coordinate with the central and state agencies to evacuate them safely. According to the statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office, the Prime Minister also expressed his concern and sympathy for the workers and their families.
