In a commendable operation, 41 workers trapped for 17 days in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel were successfully rescued late on Tuesday. The workers underwent a thorough check-up at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) before being released to return home. As things return to normal, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attributed the success of the tunnel operation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, stating, "Safely evacuating 41 workers in the Silkyara tunnel accident is a big achievement." He emphasized that without the Prime Minister's resources and assistance, the campaign would not have succeeded.
"This rescue operation could be completed successfully only due to the guidance of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thanks to the expert rescue agencies sent by the Central Government, we were able to rescue the workers safely. The entire country was praying for 41 lives for 17 days," the Uttarakhand chief minister said in New Delhi.
The incident occurred on Diwali morning, November 12th, with the Prime Minister promptly reaching out to CM Dhami for information. Dhami highlighted the PM's priority of ensuring the safe rescue of all workers and credited Modi's inspiration for boosting the morale of the rescue teams.
The chief minister praised PM Modi's continuous involvement, stating, "From the beginning till the end, the Prime Minister guided and kept taking information from moment to moment."
PM Modi also personally spoke to the rescued workers, inquiring about their health and well-being, and provided instructions for their post-evacuation care and return home.
The Chief Minister also underscored a positive shift in the Narendra Modi-led government's approach to crisis situations, citing the Prime Minister's consistent respect for workers in both words and actions. Dhami concluded by acknowledging the workers' belief that Prime Minister Modi would provide every resource for their safe rescue.
"The country knows that he is the first Prime Minister who has shown a high level of respect to workers not only in words but also in behaviour," Dhami added. He cited instances of the Prime Minister actively participating in events that demonstrate his respect for workers, including washing their feet in Kashi and showering flowers on them during the inauguration of the new Parliament. Dhami concluded by emphasizing the workers' belief that Prime Minister Modi would provide every resource to ensure their safe rescue.