Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand: A robust rescue operation has been ongoing for 24 hours to free individuals trapped in the debris following the collapse of a section of an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Dandalgaon on the Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred around 5 am yesterday.
Multiple Agencies Engaged
Various agencies, including the NDRF, SDRF, and Prantiya Rakshak Dal, are actively involved in the relief and rescue efforts. Approximately 40 people are reported to be trapped inside the tunnel, and communication has been established with them. They are currently being provided with oxygen and water.
Authorities Provide Updates
Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer of Uttarkashi, provided updates on the situation, stating, “All are safe; we have provided oxygen and water to them. We are making our way sideways to go inside the tunnel. After establishing communication, around 40 people are trapped inside.”
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | Relief and rescue work underway on war footing in Silkyara Tunnel located on Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road. pic.twitter.com/sn9EYLiV4M
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 13, 2023
Challenges Overcome in Rescue Process
Ranveer Singh Chauhan, a Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD) jawan, emphasized the rapid progress of the rescue operation and the initial challenges of establishing communication with those trapped. He said, “We were saddened yesterday because we weren’t able to communicate with those trapped. But then we were able to communicate with them.”
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | On Uttarkashi Tunnel accident, Prashant Kumar, Circle Officer of Uttarkashi says, “40 people are trapped inside the tunnel. All are safe, we have provided oxygen and water to them…”
“The present situation is, that yesterday we established communication… pic.twitter.com/KWBVtN0ks8
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2023
Mucking and Excavation in Progress
The rescue process involves mucking with the assistance of an excavator. Mritunjay Kumar, a loader operator, reported, “Mucking is being done with the loader & excavator…Approximately 30-35 meters of the tunnel has been broken. Everyone is safe.”
Chief Minister’s Involvement and Concern
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his involvement and concern, stating, “I have been in contact with the officials from the time I got to know about the incident…NDRF and SDRF are at the spot. We pray to god for the safe return of everybody.”
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | “Work is underway at a great speed. Everyone is working very hard…We were saddened yesterday because we weren’t able to communicate with those trapped. But then we were able to communicate with them…,” says Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Prantiya Rakshak Dal… https://t.co/xf2QYg7MJD pic.twitter.com/PBqLgJ4Tv5
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) November 12, 2023
Project Background
The under-construction tunnel is part of the Char Dham Road Project, aiming to reduce the journey from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham by nearly 26 kilometres once completed.
