New Delhi: In a remarkable display of collective effort, all 41 workers trapped for 17 days in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand have been successfully rescued. Utilizing rat hole mining, a banned technique, proved crucial in overcoming obstacles during the operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his appreciation for the rescue team’s efforts, commending the courage and patience of the trapped workers. He shared heartfelt wishes for their well-being and acknowledged the families’ endurance during this challenging time.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed relief and happiness over the successful rescue, emphasizing the workers’ endurance as a testament to human resilience.
Various political figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and Chief Ministers from different states, lauded the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies involved in this significant rescue operation.
Rat hole mining played a pivotal role in clearing the last few meters of the collapsed portion after high-tech machines faced challenges. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, along with the Army, executed a well-coordinated effort, manually pulling each worker up through 60 meters of rock and debris.
The successful outcome was a result of continuous day-and-night efforts, showcasing the dedication of all involved agencies. The workers, brought out on specially modified stretchers, are now safe, marking a momentous achievement in recent rescue operations.
The visuals from the rescue site captured the essence of the operation, with an ambulance seen leaving as a symbol of the workers’ return to safety.
