Silkyara/Dehradun, Nov 29 – After a challenging 17-day rescue mission, all 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district were successfully rescued on Tuesday evening. The extensive operation, dubbed ‘Silkyara,’ saw collaborative efforts from rescue teams representing the Central and Uttarakhand state governments. The workers emerged safely from the tunnel on the 17th day of the operation, marking a triumphant conclusion to the ordeal. Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reached out to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to express their inquiries and extend their congratulations on the successful completion of the operation.
The incident occurred on November 12 when 41 workers found themselves trapped in an under-construction tunnel at Silkyara on the Yamunotri highway in Uttarkashi due to a landslide. The rescue operation engaged various agencies, including SDRF, local police, district administration, NDRF, BRO, RVNL, SJVNL, ONGC, ITBP, NHAIDCL, THDC, Indian Army, and Air Force. The successful operation involved the use of machinery like JCB and specialized equipment such as the Auger machine and the American Auger machine.
The workers were transported directly to a hospital in Chinyalisaur for necessary health check-ups, and arrangements were made for their families. Prime Minister Modi commended Chief Minister Dhami on the successful evacuation, inquiring about the workers’ well-being and the arrangements for their post-rescue care. Chief Minister Dhami assured that families and workers would receive continued support, with arrangements made for their return home, emphasizing the seamless coordination between central government agencies and the state government in ensuring the safe evacuation of all 41 workers.
