• Source:JND
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A 16-day-long relentless operation to rescue 41 workers was concluded on Tuesday evening after all the persons were safely evacuated from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi. The comprehensive operation was rolled out under the supervision of the Centre and state to save the lives of the people trapped in the tunnel.

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How did 41 people survive a 16-day nightmare:

It was indeed a hell of a ride for the people who remained in confinement for 16 days. However, the teams involved in the rescue process ensured all people get the requisite facilities to survive in the unfavourable environment. A continuous supply of oxygen was ensured through pipes inside the tunnel. An employee involved in the construction of tunnels said chemicals are used while building the tunnels, so the air and water inside are polluted and toxic. Thus, a continuous supply of fresh air was ensured through the compressor inside the tunnel.

A six-inch food pipe was also laid at the tunnel to ensure a supply of eatables. Fruits such as apples, oranges, sweet lime and bananas and essential medicines like electral were delivered to the workers.

Uttarkashi Chief Medical Officer (CMO) said many people inside the collapsed tunnel complained of minor headaches and nausea, and added that delivery of essential medicines, multivitamins, glucose and dry fruits was being ensured through the six-inch pipe.

To address both the physical and mental well-being of the 41 trapped workers, they were advised to walk and do yoga. According to the news agency Reuters, psychiatrist Abhishek Sharma, sent to the tunnel site, advised the men to walk within the 2 km confined area, practice light yoga, and sustain regular conversations among themselves as a means of occupying their time.

Besides, anti-depression tablets were supplied to the trapped workers. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid frequent visits to the mishap site in the course of the rescue operation. The chief minister asked two labourers -- Gabbar Singh Negi and Saba Ahmad -- about the condition of the workers and praised the duo for keeping up their morale.  

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A portion of the tunnel had caved in on November 12, with the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, thereby trapping 41 labourers inside the under-construction structure.