In a challenging situation, a significant rescue operation is in progress in Uttarakhand, where an under-construction tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway partially collapsed, trapping 40 workers since yesterday morning. The incident occurred in the Uttarkashi district, prompting a multi-agency response from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), and the local police.
Despite the severity of the situation, officials report that all 40 workers are safe inside the tunnel. Continuous communication has been established with the trapped individuals, and efforts are underway to provide them with food and oxygen through water pipelines. Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer, Uttarkashi, reassured, “Everyone is safe, we are in constant touch with the trapped workers.”
The ongoing rescue operation involves the removal of debris to create an escape passage for the workers. So far, 20 meters of the slab has been cleared, with an additional 35 meters yet to be covered. Heavy machinery, including excavators, is being employed to remove the rubble obstructing the tunnel.
The tunnel, part of the Char Dham Road Project, is intended to connect Silkyara to Dandalgaon in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. It aims to reduce the travel distance from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham by 26 kilometers. The workers trapped inside hail from various states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the site to assess the situation and review the ongoing rescue efforts. “NDRF and SDRF are at the spot. We pray to God for the safe return of everybody. We hope they will be rescued soon,” said Chief Minister Dhami. The incident underscores the importance of safety measures in large-scale construction projects, with authorities committed to ensuring the prompt and secure rescue of the trapped workers.
Sources By Agencies