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Tunnel collapse leaves 41 workers trapped; first visuals obtained after days
On November 21, an endoscopic camera was inserted through the pipeline which facilitated a conversation with the workers.
First visuals of the trapped workers were obtained after 10 days / X/@pushkardhami
On November 12, an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand collapsed, resulting in 41 workers being trapped under debris. A video released after over 10 days of rescue efforts showed that they are reportedly doing fine and have a sufficient supply of air, water, and oxygen.
Multiple government agencies are driving the rescue operations to bring these men safely above ground. The workers are trapped in a 2 km-long segment along the Silkyara to Barkot route in the Uttarkashi region.
Family members of the trapped workers have been intimidated. Some of them arrived on site and reportedly made conversation with the trapped workers.
As per an update on November 21, an endoscopic camera was inserted through the pipeline which facilitated a conversation with the workers. Endoscopic cameras are used to view, capture and record videos in small, hard-to- access places of the human body with limited to no visibility.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami issued a statement on the ongoing rescue work. “A 6-inch diameter pipeline has been successfully laid across the debris. Now through this, food items, medicines, and other goods will be easily sent to the workers as per the requirement,” read a part of his statement.
सिलक्यारा, उत्तरकाशी में निर्माणाधीन सुरंग के अंदर फँसे श्रमिकों से पहली बार एंडोस्कोपिक फ्लेक्सी कैमरे के माध्यम से बातचीत कर उनका कुशलक्षेम पूछा गया। सभी श्रमिक बंधु पूरी तरह सुरक्षित हैं। pic.twitter.com/vcr28EHx8g
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 21, 2023
November 20 marked the ninth day of the rescue operation, and the workers were delivered hot food and cold drinks through the pipeline. Prior to the installation of the 6-inch diameter pipeline they were surviving on anti-depressants, multi-vitamins, essential medicines, and dry fruits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly spoken to CM Dhami about the rescue operations three times since the tunnel collapsed. Dhami briefed Modi about the condition of the trapped workers and the rescue work being carried out by several government agencies, as well as the support provided by the central government.
The under-construction tunnel is part of the government’s Char Dham project, which will enhance connectivity to the Hindu pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
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