Workers trapped in Uttarakhand tunnel: voices get weaker, urgency grows

Uttarkashi: Families of the trapped labourers at the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand are enduring an agonising wait as rescue efforts face setbacks, leaving their loved ones increasingly vulnerable.

Workers are getting weaker and family members who spoke to them said their voices are getting weaker.

The tunnel collapse, trapping 41 workers on the Char Dham route, has plunged families into a week-long ordeal, with no definitive progress in sight.

Reports from those stationed outside the tunnel indicate a distressing deterioration in the condition of those trapped inside. Haridwar Sharma, whose brother Sushil is among the trapped labourers, expressed the mounting anxiety: "All we are getting are assurances from authorities that the trapped labourers will be rescued. It has been nearly a week."

Desperation mounts as rescue operations, temporarily halted due to technical issues with the drilling machinery, exacerbate the plight of those awaiting news.

Maharaj Singh and Prem Singh, brothers of Gabbar Singh Negi, spoke of their distress after communicating with Gabbar through an oxygen supply pipe: "I could not talk to my brother. His voice sounded very weak. He was hardly audible. Rescue work in the tunnel has come to a halt."

The dire situation within the tunnel is becoming increasingly critical. Prem Singh said, "Gabbar said he is alright but his voice is feebler now. They are getting light edibles like chana, kheer, and badam. How long can they sustain on this?"

As families voiced their frustration, Akash Singh, Gabbar's son, echoed their sentiments: "His voice was low. Though he said he was alright so that we don't get worried. His low voice said it all."

Officials on-site are grappling with challenges in the rescue operation. A high-performance drilling machine, crucial for creating an escape passage, faced a setback after a cracking sound inside the tunnel halted operations. The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) reported, "An expert involved with the project warned about the possibility of further collapse in the vicinity."

Efforts to resume the rescue operation continue as a heavy-duty auger machine from Indore has been transported to the site for assembly and deployment. However, the suspension of operations due to the potential risks of further collapse has intensified the anguish of families.