Dehradun: A complex multi-agency effort is underway to rescue 40 workers who became trapped inside a partially collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
The incident occurred around 5 am yesterday during the construction of a tunnel on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), and the police are collectively conducting the rescue operation.
Prashant Kumar, a senior official, assured that all 40 workers are safe and are receiving oxygen through a pipeline. "Everyone is safe; we are in constant touch with the trapped workers," said Kumar. Communication has been established with the trapped workers, and they have been provided with water and food items.
The collapsed section of the tunnel, located about 200 metres from the entrance, has had approximately 20 metres of the slab removed to facilitate access. The rescue team is utilising excavators and other heavy machinery to clear the debris.
The tunnel, part of the Char Dham Road Project, aims to connect Silkyara to Dandalgaon in Uttarkashi, with the objective of reducing the journey from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham by 26 kilometres.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been briefed on the ongoing rescue operation and expressed his engagement with the officials involved. "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," he said.