Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said the rescue operation at the Uttarkashi tunnel mishap site was going at a fast pace and senior officers were given the responsibility to ensure travel, accommodation and food arrangements for kin of trapped workers who want to travel to the tunnel site.

Besides, a team of three officials was sent to the rescue site to join a coordination team to provide information to other states, news agency ANI reported while quoting the CM office. 

As many as 41 construction workers are trapped under the debris of the Silkyara tunnel that collapsed on November 12.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Dhami to take stock of the rescue operations. 

Also read: Gurdwara Admin Accused Of Violating 'Maryada' After Video Of Dance Party Inside Kartarpur Sahib Complex Goes Viral

Dhami took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to divulge the details of his telephonic conversation with PM Modi.

“Respected Prime Minister Shri@narendramodiji took information through telephone about the relief and rescue operations underway to safely rescue the workers trapped in the under-construction tunnel near Silkyara. The Central Government is providing necessary rescue equipment and resources. Central and state agencies are engaged in relief and rescue operations with mutual coordination and promptness. The workers trapped in the tunnel are safe and they are being provided oxygen, nutritious food and water. Experts' opinion is also being sought for relief and rescue operations. Every effort is being made to rescue all the workers trapped inside the tunnel quickly and safely,” Dhami wrote.

Meanwhile, international tunneling expert Arnold Dix conducted an on-site inspection at the Silkyara Tunnel site.

The state as well as Central agencies are proactively working to bring out the trapped workers. Yesterday, Union Minister of Surface Transport, Nitin Gadkari, visited the mishap site with Uttarakhand CM Dhami.

Recommended For You

While addressing the media, Gadkari said the first priority was to save the lives of the trapped workers. "The first priority of this operation is to keep the victims alive. Roads are being made by BRO to bring special machines. Several machines have arrived here. Two auger machines are currently working to carry out rescue operations. The strata of this Himalayan terrain are complicated,” he said.   

Also read: Schools Reopen In National Capital Despite 'Very Poor' AQI, GRAP Stage 4 Revoked

He said the mission to rescue the trapped workers could be accomplished in two or two and a half days if the auger machine works properly. "If the auger machine works properly, we will be able to reach them (victims) in the next 2-2.5 days," Gadkari added.  


Also In News