Uttarakhand Tunnel Highlights: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Meets Families Of Rescued Workers
Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Highlights: Follow this space for all the latest updates on the rescue operation of 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed heartfelt gratitude as he met with the families of several of the 41 workers recently rescued from the Silkyara tunnel.
Updating the public on the condition of the rescued workers from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat reassures that all individuals are in good health. Speaking about the ongoing treatment, Rawat mentioned, "...Everything is fine... They will be kept here for medical examinations today and tomorrow. They will be sent back home as per the directions of the director of AIIMS, people in the health department, and doctors..."
Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Rishikesh Meenu Singh says, "The rescued workers are quite normal, I won't even call them patients. They are feeling quite normal, they are behaving very normally. Their blood pressure, vitals, oxygenation - everything is normal. We have done some basic preliminary investigations just to look at their electrolytes and their other blood parameters. The report will be coming and we will also be doing their ECG, just to see if there is any effect on the heart. These are very basic investigations which we will have. We will do a basic psychological assessment also so that we can follow it up later - whether this incident is having any effect on them on a long-term basis..."
Odisha Minister Sarada Prashad Nayak personally met with the rescued individuals at the Community Health Centre Chinyaisaur earlier today.
A day after the successful rescue of all 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi since November 12, Congress leader Tariq Anwar voiced criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a tendency to inject politics into every situation. Anwar said that "the nation's collective concern and prayers for the trapped workers", emphasising the gravity of the incident. However, he also accused the BJP of opportunistically seeking political advantage even in moments of national crisis.
In the aftermath of a daring rescue operation from the Silkyara tunnel, situated in Uttarakhand, medical professionals at Rishikesh AIIMS have commenced thorough health examinations for all 41 workers saved from the perilous underground conditions.
All the 41 rescued workers have reached Rishikesh in IAF's transport aircraft Chinook where they will undergo further medical checkups at All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
The 41 rescued workers are being taken to AIIMS Rishikesh for further medical examination in IAF's transport aircraft Chinook.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami meets rescued workers in Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre and enquires about their health. He also hands over relief cheques to the workers.
Following the successful rescue operation, Arnold Dix says, "With a clear mind and a warm heart, anything is possible. The impossible is possible, and that's what we did here."
"This rescue mission was full of challenges," says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami. "The Himalayas inspire us to remain firm and unmovable and to keep moving ahead."
The Garhwali festival of Igas Bagwal will be celebrated today at Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's residence in Dehradun to mark the the successful rescue of all 41 workers.
After meeting rescued workers at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre, Uttarakhand minister Prem Chand Aggarwal says, "All the workers are doing well. They are happy. Following SOPs, they can be shifted to Rishikesh, if required."
The first reaction from one of the rescued workers has come out. Speaking to news agency ANI, Vishwajeet Kumar Verma says they knew they have got stuck when the debris fell. "When the debris fell, we knew that we were stuck. For the first 10-15 hours we faced difficulty. But later, a pipe was put in to provide us with rice, dal & dry fruits. Later a mic was installed & I was able to talk to my family members...I am happy now, will celebrate Diwali now," says Kumar.
Former advisor to PMO Bhaskar Khulbe says, "I will always wish that such a disaster doesn't strike again. The courage shown by the 41 workers demonstrates shows how one should never leave hope
Sandeep Kumar, son of rescued worker, Ram Milan from Uttar Pradesh's Shravasti said: ""We are very happy. My relatives have gone to Uttarakhand to bring back my father. I would like to thank all those involved in the rescue operation."
NDRF personnel who was part of the rescue team said: "The moment I reached inside the tunnel, the reaction of the workers was of extreme happiness. We used to keep reassuring them that they would be rescued soon. This helped them keep their mental state stable."
All the workers rescued from the Silkyara tunnel on Tuesday night are undergoing medical checkup at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre.
A priest was seen offering prayers at the makeshift temple built at the tunnel site after all the 41 workers were rescued safely on Tuesday night.
Security has been deployed outside Chinyalisaur health centre where the workers have been admitted for primary treatment following their rescue from the Silkyara tunnel.
Mother of worker Santosh Kumar, who was rescued on Tuesday night, said, "We have spoken to Santosh on the phone, and he is currently in the hospital. Today we celebrated Diwali... We thank the central government and the rescue workers."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with the workers who have been successfully rescued from the Silkyara tunnel, ANI reported.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted, "We will leave no stone unturned to protect our own. Heartfelt gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the tunnel. Commend the grit and determination of those who faced such adversity without giving up hope"
"This is an immense achievement. Well done to the 🇮🇳 authorities for successfully evacuating all 41 workers trapped in the tunnel in #Uttarkhand. Special commendation to Australia’s Professor Arnold Dix who provided important technical support on the ground," posts Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green.
SDRF workers engaged in the rescue operations say "It is a big day for us today. All the workers have finally been rescued successfully. It was a very difficult operation. All the trapped workers are healthy and safe..."
As the news of the successful rescue operation of labourers came in, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the various rescue teams that had been engaged in the operation over several days. The Chief Minister has said, 'it gives me immense pleasure to learn about the successful rescue operation and I am very happy that our workers will return home safe.' It may be mentioned here that out of the 41 trapped labourers in the tunnel, there are five from Odisha: Odisha CMO (ANI)
"The safe return of the labour brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is a very happy news. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families. The safety of our labour brothers who are building India is of paramount importance. I salute all the brave men who made this difficult campaign successful," posted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi
"The hard work of NDRF, Army and all other agencies has paid off and all the laborers trapped in the tunnel of Uttarakhand have been taken out safely. I salute the efforts and hard work of all those people engaged in this operation. One night we made it successful. The prayers of all the countrymen came in handy. I also salute the patience and courage of all those workers who supported and encouraged each other in adverse circumstances. This is the victory of the unity of the people of India. ," posts Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
"Our 41 brave workers have overcome the uncertainty, darkness and shivering cold of the tunnel under construction in Uttarakhand and have come out winning the battle today after 17 days. Salute to the bravery and courage of all of you. The day this accident happened. It was Diwali, but today is Diwali for your family. I also salute the neutral faith and prayers of your family and all the countrymen. Heartfelt thanks to all the teams engaged in carrying out this historic and courageous campaign. In the building of the country The role of any worker cannot be ignored. Nature and the wheel of time are repeatedly telling that worker safety and welfare should play an important role in our intentions and policies," posts Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.
"The labourers trapped in the tunnel in Silkyara, Uttarkashi for several days have been rescued safely after a day and night struggle. Due to the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the constant monitoring of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and CM Pushkar Dhami, this work continued continuously. I wholeheartedly thank everyone for the cooperation of all the workers, security forces and experts engaged in this work, who have returned happiness to the families of our labour brothers by remaining dedicated every moment," Union Minister Piyush Goyal posted.
"Chinook helicopter is also parked that will be available in the morning if the doctors decide that all 41 can be held together in that hospital...Tomorrow probably in two flights, the Chinook helicopter will be able to transport all of them to Rishikesh AIIMS and they will probably be kept for about 48 to 72 hours under observation to make sure that there's nothing secondary which emerges after they have come out from this confinement for the last 17 days...": Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Member, NDMA tells ANI.
"I thank everyone who was involved in this difficult and challenging task," says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami. (PTI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posts, "I feel extremely happy with the news of the safe rescue of all the workers trapped in the tunnel accident in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The whole country was keeping an eye on this operation. The entire country has heaved a sigh of relief with its success. This is a moment of joy for the families of all labourers. I congratulate his family..."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah posts, "It is great news for the nation that all our 41 Shramik brothers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi have been rescued safe and sound. Nation salutes their grit in facing such a challenging situation in the tunnel for so long."
Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Member, NDMA, says "...India has achieved this tremendous achievement under the leadership of our Prime Minister and the various organisations that he leads, the PMO itself, from where his Principal Secretary has been leading the efforts, who has been on the ground himself and spoken to the workers at some time also gone to each and every site of the options which were being pursued by all the disaster management authorities at that particular time...The only message which needs to be realized and communicated is, this has been all of government and all of India operation.."
PM Narendra Modi posts, "The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience are inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health. It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough. I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. Their bravery and determination have given new life to our labour brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork"
President Droupadu Murmu writes, "I feel relieved and happy to learn that all the workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarakhand have been rescued."
Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari tweets, "I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped laborers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued."
Initial health checkup of all the workers is being done in the temporary medical camp built in the tunnel, according to Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
Ambulances leave from the Silkyara tunnel site as all the workers trapped inside the tunnel since November 12 have been successfully rescued.
Hospital 40 km away from tunnel site. Ambulances to take 20-25 mins via green corridor to reach Silkyara hosp.
423-Hour Rescue Op Ends Successfully, Ambulance leaves for hospital via green corridor.
All 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand since November 12 have been successfully rescued.
33 among the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand since November 12 have been successfully rescued, ANI reported.
A Green Corridor to be created to facilitate the transfer of workers to Silyara hospital. 24 workers rescued so far.
21 workers rescued so far.
Locals distribute sweets outside Silkyara tunnel as trapped workers are being rescued from the tunnel
Uttarakhand CM Dhami, Union minister V K Singh inside Silkyara tunnel as trapped workers come out one by one.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets rescued workers. 15 workers have been rescued so far.
14 of 41 workers evacuated, rescue ops likely to be over in 1 hour
Two workers from Jharkhand first to be rescued. 12 of 41 rescued so far.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets the workers who have been rescued from inside the Silkyara tunnel
Five workers among the 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand since November 12 have been successfully rescued. Currently, all the labourers are in the safety tunnel inside the Silkyara tunnel.
Workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel since November 12 are being rescued. 41 workers were trapped in the tunnel since November 12. They will be taken to the Chinyalisaur Community Health Center.
A worker involved in the rescue operation says, "The rescue work has been completed and the trapped workers will start coming out in the next 15-20 minutes. NDRF teams will pull out the workers now. It will take around half an hour to rescue all the 41 trapped workers. There are no hurdles now..."
"The breakthrough happened at 7.05 PM. The first worker will come out by 8 PM," says Harpal Singh, a member of the rescue team.
In a post on X, Uttarakhand CM Dhami wrote, "There has been a great success in the ongoing rescue operation in Silkyara Tunnel. The work of pipe pushing has been done across the debris. Now preparations have been started to evacuate the workers safely."
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other officials at the Silkyara tunnel rescue site.
Operation intensifies to rescue the 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami leaves from the rescue site.
In a post on X, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Have rushed a team to Uttarkashi for helping our people. The team, led by Rajdeep Dutta, Liaison Officer, Office of Resident Commissioner, New Delhi, will help evacuation and safe return of the trapped workers in the tunnel at Silkyara, Uttarkashi to their homes in West Bengal."
Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Member, NDMA, says "...According to me, it will take the entire night to complete this operation..."
On Silkyara tunnel rescue mission, Vishal Chauhan, Member, NHAI, says," NHAI has again started the work of audit of all tunnels. We are working on this with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and one other agency."
As the rescue operations enter the final stage, sweets are being distributed among the family members of Anil Bedia, one of the workers who is trapped in the Silkyara tunnel.
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, says "Chinook helicopter is present at Chinyalisaur airstrip...The last time to fly the Chinook helicopter is 4:30 pm. We will not fly it during the night. Since there is a delay, the workers will be brought the next morning..."
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, says "All safety precautions will be implemented. No premature announcements are to be made, it will be against all principles. We also have to take care of the safety and security of people who are rescuing the wrokers...We are not in any hurry..."
It will take 3-4 hours to evacuate workers from the Silkyara tunnel after the breakthrough is achieved: NDMA
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, says "We are near a breakthrough but not yet there. Manual work has carried on and we have reached 58 metres. The debris had been cut and the work was going on the entire night. Our rat miners, experts and Army engineers have been able to take it to 58 metres and the pipe has been pushed with the help of the auger machine..."
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, Member, NDMA, says "We are at 58 metres, we are hoping that after 2 metres, we can say that it has passed through. The trapped workers inside have said they can hear noises of work being done and an estimate can be made where the tunnel will pass through.
Due to the rescue operation, a temporary medical facility has been expanded inside the tunnel. After evacuating the trapped workers, health training will be done at this place. In case of any problem, 8 beds are arranged by the health department, and a team of doctors and experts are deployed.
Mother of a worker who is trapped in the Silkyara tunnel says, "It has been 17 days since my son has been trapped. I will be happy when my son arrives I won't believe it until I see it with my own eyes..."
International tunneling expert Arnold Dix offered prayers at a temple outside the Silkyara tunnel for the safety of trapped workers earlier today.
Garlands brought to Silkyara tunnel rescue site in anticipation of early rescue of 41 trapped workers
As Uttarkashi tunnel rescue operation enters final stage, AIIMS Rishikesh Assistant Professor Dr Narinder Kumar says, "The rescued workers will be brought here only if medical treatment requirements cannot be met in Uttarkashi District hospital. At AIIMS Rishikesh, there are 20 beds in Trauma Centre and a few ICU beds. If the workers are brought here, they can be given good medical care. A team of doctors has been constituted to be sent to Uttarkashi, if ordered by the state government."
Office of the Chief Minister Assam tweets, "Two persons from District Kokrajhar, Assam have been trapped in the Uttarakhand Tunnel. Since the last 16 days, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has been constantly monitoring the well-being of the workers the families in Assam. Principal Secretary to CM through DC (Kokrajhar) have been in regular contact with the respective families and authorities in Uttarakhand. We are eagerly awaiting their safe and healthy return."
"We have been waiting here for last two weeks. We will be relieved only after meeting them," says a relative of one of the 41 workers trapped inside the Uttarkashi tunnel in Uttarakhand as rescue operation enters the final phase.
Family members of the trapped workers who are expected to be rescued soon from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi say, "We are happy that they will be rescued soon. We welcome them in a nice way. We had told them that the rescue team would reach them soon."
Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue: Preparations complete at Community Health Center Chinyalisaur for the treatment of 41 workers who will be brought here after they are rescued and brought out of Silkyara tunnel.
Background
Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Highlights: The rescue operations to safely evacuate the 41 workers trapped after a part of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi entered day 17 on Tuesday with rescuers opting for manual drilling apart fro mother alternatives that also include vertical drilling from the top of the collapsed tunnel.
Meanwhile, Mahmood Ahmad, Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), says that 44 metres of vertical drilling has been done out of the required 86 metres. He said vertical drilling has been stopped temporarily and all the options are implemented for the rescue operation.
Uttarakhand Secretary and Nodal Officer for Silkayara rescue operation Neeraj Khairwal says, "...As of now, we have pushed in the pipe 55.3 metres. Only a little more distance remains...It might be somewhere between 57-59 metres...It might take a few more hours if there are no more hurdles...By evening we are hoping...Let's pray and hope for the best."
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the work of laying pipe has been completed and the workers could be taken out soon. The CM, personnel of various agencies and senior officials are present at the spot. Drilling has been completed in the tunnel and preparations have been made at the community health centre Chinyalisaur for labourers' treatment.
Arun Mishra, coordinator of UP government for the rescue operation, says, "It is a matter of happiness for us. I want to thank PM Modi, the Uttarakhand administration and those involved in the rescue operation on behalf of the UP government."
Several ambulances have entered the Silkyara tunnel while NDRF, SDRF and several other agencies continue to be at the spot.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami once again today and took information regarding the relief and rescue work of workers trapped in the tunnel in Silkyara said Uttarakhand CMO.
According to CMO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inquired from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami about the well-being of the workers trapped in the tunnel. The Prime Minister received complete information regarding drilling. He said that along with the safety of the workers trapped inside, special care should also be taken for the safety of the people engaged in relief work outside. He said that the families of the workers trapped inside should not face any kind of problem. The Prime Minister also discussed the upcoming strategy.
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