Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: CM Dhami speaks to trapped workers, inquires about their well-being

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, where he prayed to the Baukh Nag Devta for the well-being of the workers currently stuck inside. In an official statement on Thursday, the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that CM Dhami, during his visit, spoke with trapped workers Gabbar Singh Negi and Saba Ahmed, inquiring about their health and updating them on the ongoing rescue efforts. The workers, in their conversation with CM Dhami, assured him that all other workers in the tunnel were safe and in good health. Dhami conveyed to them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively monitoring the situation and the progress of the rescue operations.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami had a conversation with Gabbar Singh Negi and Saba Ahmed, the workers trapped in the tunnel under construction in Silkyara, Uttarkashi, to inquire about their well-being and also informed them about the rescue operation going on at a… pic.twitter.com/uBqGQMppVV

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2023

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had a phone conversation with CM Dhami, seeking updates on the rescue operation that has been underway since November 12 to free 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel. Dhami said that the PM Modi was briefed on the collaborative efforts involving central agencies, international experts, and the state administration. Meanwhile, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela said on Thursday morning that rescuers have drilled and considerably breached through the debris of the collapsed portion of the Sikyara tunnel to reach closer to the trapped workers. Speaking to ANI, the Uttarkashi District Magistrate said that only a little more work is left for the completion of the rescue operation, which has been ongoing for the past 12 days. Updating on the technical aspects, Ruhela stated that teams are addressing challenges with continuous efforts, seeking guidance from experts on-site. While it is uncertain when the rescue will conclude, he affirmed that the state and central governments are closely monitoring the situation. Former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office, Bhaskar Khulbe, present at the site, noted the removal of steel obstructing the pipe’s movement, indicating progress in the operation. According to a state government official, the rescue operation is in its final stages, and the trapped workers are expected to be pulled out today. With inputs from ANI