Uttarkashi: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami oversees completion of Silkyara tunnel rescue

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on November 28 arrived at the Silkyara tunnel site, overseeing the final stages of the operation to rescue 41 workers who had been trapped for 17 days in the under-construction tunnel. The massive rescue operation has garnered international attention, becoming a symbol of unwavering dedication and collaboration.

"Our workers, brothers, will be taken out soon," said Chief Minister Dhami, expressing optimism as the meticulous work of laying pipes to extricate the trapped workers was successfully completed. The operation, marked by its complexity and challenges, reached a crucial milestone on Tuesday as the rescue teams achieved a major breakthrough in laying pipes through the rubble at the Silkyara tunnel.

In a post on social media, Chief Minister Dhami expressed gratitude, stating, "With immense blessings of Baba Baukhnag, prayers of crores of country's citizens, and the relentless hard work of the rescue agencies involved in the operations, pipe-laying through the tunnel has been completed, and our brothers will soon be evacuated."

Amidst the intense rescue efforts, homestays and hotels near the Silkyara tunnel site, typically hosting Char Dham pilgrims between April and September, have found themselves busy accommodating officials from multiple agencies involved in the operation. These establishments, situated along National Highway-94 connecting Gangotri and Yamunotri, have become nerve centers for coordination and support.

However, challenges persist as National Disaster Management Authority member, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain, disclosed that there is still 2 meters of drilling left at the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse site. "We are at 58 meters, and we are hoping that after 2 meters, we can say that it has passed through. The trapped workers have informed us that they can hear the noises of work being done, providing an estimate of where the tunnel will pass through," he remarked.