As many as 36 workers are feared trapped after part of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi. Rescue operations assisted by SDRF have begun in the area and top officials have been rushed to the site of the incident. Police revenue teams are also present at the spot for relief work.


Taking note of the incident, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "I have been in contact with the officials from the time I got to know about the incident...NDRF and SDRF are at the spot. We pray to god for the safe return of everybody."






The District Control Room in Uttarkashi has informed that 36 people are feared to be trapped in the tunnel. Upon being informed, Commander SDRF, Manikant Mishra directed SDRF rescue teams under Inspector Jagdamba Vijalwan to rush to the spot with necessary rescue equipment. The teams are not carrying out relief and rescue work on a war footing in coordination with other rescue units.




"The police force, NDRF and SDRF teams have reached the spot. Around 36 workers are trapped inside, as per record. Rescue operations are underway on war-footing. We will rescue all of them safely. No casualty reported so far," Uttarkashi SP Arpan Yaduvanshi said.

 

He added that  an oxygen pipe was inserted into the collapsed part of the tunnel for the safety of those trapped inside and that food items were also being sent in. He assured that the trapped workers would soon be rescued.













A part of the Char Dham all-weather road project, the contruction of the tunnel would reduce travel from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri by 26 km.