Miraculous Multi-Agency Effort: Successful Extrication of All Trapped Workers from Uttarkashi’s Silkyara Tunnel

28-11-2023: The culmination of a harrowing 17-day ordeal unfolded in Uttarkashi as rescue workers successfully extricated all 41 individuals trapped in the Silkyara tunnel. The multi-agency rescue operation, marked by alternating waves of hope and despair, reached its climax as Union Minister V K Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the rescued workers. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) executed the evacuation through a steel chute lining a 60-meter passage, a moment met with jubilation as hugs and cheers erupted.

The first ambulance, carrying one of the rescued workers, departed the tunnel’s mouth around 8 pm, following the efforts of rat-hole mining experts who cleared the final stretch of rubble. The atmosphere outside the tunnel resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Ambulances lined up to transport the workers to a Community Health Centre, where a dedicated 41-bed ward awaited them.

Prior to their transport, the workers underwent a swift medical examination upon emerging from the steel pipe. Chief Minister Dhami reassured the public that none of the workers was in critical condition, emphasizing that they would be kept under medical observation before being sent home. The rescue operation prioritized the youngest worker’s evacuation.

The tunnel, a crucial segment of the Char Dham route, had collapsed on November 12, trapping the workers inside. Supplies, including food and medicines, reached them through a six-inch pipe inserted amid the rubble. Families stationed in Silkyara were permitted into the tunnel with their belongings in anticipation of reuniting with their loved ones at the medical center.

The successful rescue prompted widespread relief and commendation, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding the operation’s success. Murmu saluted the resilience of the workers, expressing gratitude for their commitment to building critical infrastructure despite personal risk. Modi praised the spirit, courage, and resolve of those involved in the operation, considering it an exemplary display of humanity and teamwork.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the workers’ grit and resilience, expressing gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in the tireless rescue efforts. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the well-coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, characterizing it as one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed relief and joy at the safe rescue of the workers, urging the government to provide prompt health benefits and compensation. Jairam Ramesh, party general secretary, lauded the laborers’ resilience and fortitude, while Chief Minister Dhami announced a financial aid of Rs 1 lakh for each rescued worker.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended gratitude to all contributors in the life-saving mission, concluding a collective sigh of relief as the trapped workers were brought to safety.