November 28, 2023: In a significant development, the relentless rescue efforts to free 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel have reached their final stage. The workers, who have been stranded for the past 17 days, are expected to emerge from the tunnel today, marking a crucial milestone in the rescue operation.
The rescue operation involves rat-hole mining and vertical drilling, which are now merely three meters away from the trapped workers. Despite facing numerous challenges such as adverse weather conditions and machinery breakdowns, the rescue team has persevered, bringing the evacuation process close to its successful conclusion.
Ambulances and medical teams have been stationed outside the tunnel in anticipation of the workers’ emergence. Families of the trapped workers have been advised to prepare the belongings of their loved ones, who will be swiftly admitted to the hospital upon rescue. The workers will undergo thorough medical examinations, including checks on blood pressure, heartbeat, and sugar levels, given the physical and mental toll of their prolonged confinement.
The rescue operation, part of the Central Government’s ‘All Weather Road’ project, was initiated after one side of the 4.5 km tunnel collapsed on November 12. The workers, stuck in continuous darkness for nearly three weeks, will be shielded from sudden light exposure as they exit the tunnel to mitigate potential eye strain. The mental health of the workers, who have lived under the constant threat of death, will also be evaluated.
As the nation awaits the successful evacuation of these workers, it is a testament to the unwavering determination of the rescue teams and a moment of hope amid the challenges faced in this complex operation.
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