• By Kamal Kumar
  • Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:00 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue:  At 8.30 pm on Tuesday, the biggest tunnel rescue operation in India came to an end after the Rat-Hole miners dug the last stretch with their hands to reach the 41 workers who were trapped inside the dark passage for more than 16 days. As the workers started coming out, everyone present at the spot and millions glued to TV screens breathed a sigh of relief.

The successful completion of the large-scale, 400-hour operation received many reactions from the corners of the globe, with people cheering the high spirit of the trapped workers as well as lauding the tremendous efforts of the rescue teams involving hundreds of people.

Anand Mahindra, the Chairman of Mahindra Group, took to X (formerly Twitter) saying that the workers have served as a reminder "that no tunnel is too difficult to emerge from". He emphasised how they have boosted the morale of every Indian citizen.

Also Read: Uttarakhand Rescue: Down With Depression, Nausea And Vomiting, Know How 41 Trapped Workers Survived 16-Day ‘Prison’

"It's time for gratitude. Thank you to EVERY single person who worked tirelessly over the past 17 days to save these 41 precious lives. More than any sporting victory could have, you have uplifted the spirits of a country & united us in our hope. You've reminded us that no tunnel is too difficult to emerge from, and no task is impossible when our actions & prayers are collaborative & collective. #Uttarakhand," he wrote.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to all the people involved in the rescue with the words, "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."

Expressing his appreciation for the rescue teams, Congress leader and Waynad MP, Rahul Gandhi said that the safety of the labourer building in India is paramount.

"I salute all the brave men who made this difficult campaign successful," the MP said. "The safe return of the labour brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is 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," he added.

The operation which faced many snags before coming to a meaningful end was also many odds amid the mighty Himalayas also drew praises for the foreign experts involved. Many internet users hailed the role of Arnold Dix, an international micro-tunneling expert in the whole operation.