Everyone associated with rescue mission in Uttarkashi tunnel has set amazing example of humanity and teamwork said Prime Minister Narendra Modi
UTTARKASHI, Nov 28: Rescue workers pulled out all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakand’s Silkyara tunnel in a multi-agency rescue operation that hovered between hope and despair over almost 17 days.
Union minister V K Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the workers as National Disaster Response Force men brought them out through a steel chute that lined a 60-metre escape passage.
An ambulance with the first of the 41 workers left the mouth of the tunnel around 8 pm, about an hour after a group of rat-hole mining experts dug through the last stretch of rubble.
There was hugging and cheers as the ordeal ended. Outside the tunnel some people chanted “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.
Ambulances which had lined up at the tunnel ferried the workers to a community health centre where a special 41-bed ward had been set up.
Before this, the workers were given a quick medical checkup as they emerged out of the steel pipe.
A portion of the tunnel collapsed on November 12, blocking the exit for the workers who were inside.
Food, medicines and other essentials were sent to them through a six-inch pipe pushed through the rubble of the collapsed portion.
Meanwhile, Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said he is “relieved and happy” as all 41 trapped workers have been rescued from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand.
“I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said in a post on X.
The 41 workers, who were trapped in the tunnel since November 12, were rescued on Tuesday evening.
“This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges,” Gadkari said.
He expressed gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation as well as deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response.
‘Modi hai to mumkin hai’
When the rescue operations were nearing completion, residents from nearby areas gathered at the site to witness the evacuation of 41 trapped workers from the tunnel.
Some people were shouting slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi hai to Mumkin hai’ in acknowledgement of the multi-agency rescue operation going on for over a fortnight at the tunnel.
On Tuesday, rescue workers appeared close to breaking through the 60-metre stretch of rubble of the collapsed tunnel.
The locals also sang in prase of local deity ‘Baba Baukhnag’ and expressed their gratitude to him.
The priest of a temporary temple of Baba Baukhnag, which was set up at the tunnel site, arrived and offered prayers.
“It is happening because of the blessings of Baba Baukhnag,” priest Ram Narayan Awasthi said.Manoj Silwal, a farmer and resident of village Nangal, said he had been coming here everyday to hear the good news that finally came on Tuesday.
“I wanted to see the workers coming out,” said Silwal.
Rajesh Bijalwan, an advocate by profession and resident of village Brahmkhal, said, “I want to salute the rescue team. With their continuous and critical operations, the workers are saved,” Bijalwan said.
Congress congratulates agencies engaged
Moments after several trapped workers were rescued from the Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that it’s a matter of great relief and joy while congratulating the team engaged in the rescue operations.
“It is a matter of great relief and joy for all of us that the workers trapped in the under construction tunnel in Silkyara, Uttarkashi for the last 17 days were taken out of the tunnel safely today,” The Congress President wrote on X. (Agencies)