Rescue of 41 laborers continues in Uttarkashi, PM Modi called CM Dhami for the third time, said this about the people trapped in the tunnel…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took information from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over phone about the ongoing relief and rescue operations to safely rescue the workers trapped in the tunnel near Silkyara, Uttarkashi. The Prime Minister said that the workers will be evacuated safely with mutual coordination between the central and state agencies. There is a need to maintain the morale of the stranded workers.
Giving information about the situation, the Chief Minister said that the state and central agencies are engaged in relief and rescue work with mutual coordination and promptness. The workers trapped in the tunnel are safe. They are being provided oxygen, nutritious food and water. Till now, Prime Minister Modi has called CM Dhami thrice for updates on Silkyara Tunnel.
Gadkari said this
Earlier, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who reached Uttarkashi on Sunday, while talking to the media, said, ‘We will be successful. The Prime Minister has also expressed concern about this. The state government is helping us. Many agencies of the Indian government are helping in this work. Private agencies have also been included in this. American experts were also contacted. Our priority is to save their lives. The work is going on war footing. We are trying to send more food, water and oxygen through 6 inch pipes. Work of 42 meters has been done and will reach them soon. Till now only cashews, pistachios and dry fruits are being sent. Now we can send bread, vegetables and other food items through 6 inch pipe.
How did the accident happen in the tunnel?
Let us tell you that a tunnel was being built between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway. A part of it collapsed on Sunday morning, leaving 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel. The total length of this tunnel is 4.5 kilometers. In this, construction has been done up to 2,340 meters from Silkyara end and 1,750 meters from Dandalgaon end.
A distance of 441 meters was to be constructed between the two ends of the tunnel. Officials had said that the tunnel had collapsed from the Silkyara side. The part of the tunnel that collapsed was 200 meters away from the entry gate.
Five plans have been made
The responsibility of the five plans made for the rescue operation has been given to NHIDCL (National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited), ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), SJVNL (Sutlej Hydropower Corporation Limited), THDC and RVNL. Apart from this, BRO and the construction branch of the Indian Army are also assisting in the rescue operation.
