On November 12, the 4.5km Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, caved, leaving 41 workers trapped in the highway tunnel for days. As rescue missions are underway, the workers are helped with access to oxygen, light, medicines, food and water. Recently, a six-inch lifeline pipe was installed to help the trapped workers get access to hot meals. Hot khichdi is being prepared for the workers and will be sent directly inside the tunnel.
Hot Khichdi Sent To The Trapped Workers Following The Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse
सिल्क्यारा, उत्तरकाशी में निर्माणाधीन टनल में फँसे श्रमिकों की पहली बार तस्वीर प्राप्त हुई है। सभी श्रमिक भाई पूरी तरह सुरक्षित हैं, हम उन्हें शीघ्र सकुशल बाहर निकालने हेतु पूरी ताक़त के साथ प्रयासरत हैं। pic.twitter.com/OO8u99B5Ks
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 21, 2023
In a report by India TV, Hemant, a cook preparing khichdi for the trapped workers in the Silkyara tunnel informed the news agency that it’s the first time in days that they will be able to send hot meals directly inside the tunnel. He further stated that cooks will prepare and send recommended hot meals.
The collapsed section of the 2 km-long tunnel had a six-inch pipe installed. This is a major progress in the rescue mission. Colonel Deepak Patil, that this six-inch pipe will facilitate them to send essential items to the trapped workers like food, chargers and mobile phones. For the first time in days, the 41 labourers will be able to relish hot meals. Colonel Deepak Patil informed India TV that depending on the labourers’ health condition, doctors have prescribed meal plans.
The packaging includes daliya and khichdi filled in cylindrical bottles with wide mouths. They will also be given apples and bananas. The Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), Anshu Manish Khulko hailed the new lifeline. The installation of the new pipeline marks major progress in the rescue and evacuation mission. He further stated rescuers will proceed with greater determination to evacuate the labourers. The alternative lifeline helps intensify the efforts of the rescue teams.
Also Read: Dia Mirza Goes On A Tiger Safari With Her Family At Corbett National Park In Uttarakhand
Flexi Camera Helps Establish Contact Between Rescue Teams & Workers
सिलक्यारा, उत्तरकाशी में निर्माणाधीन सुरंग के अंदर फँसे श्रमिकों से पहली बार एंडोस्कोपिक फ्लेक्सी कैमरे के माध्यम से बातचीत कर उनका कुशलक्षेम पूछा गया। सभी श्रमिक बंधु पूरी तरह सुरक्षित हैं। pic.twitter.com/vcr28EHx8g
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) November 21, 2023
Another ray of home was the installation of the endoscopic flexi camera, pushed through the six-inch pipe. A video shared by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on X shows the labourers wearing their work gear, and waving to the camera. They were seen communicating and coping well in the harsh conditions. Rescue officials spoke to them through walkie-talkies.
They reassured the workers that they will be brought to safety. An official asked each one of them to come in front of the camera and talk to them. After repeated sincere yet failed attempts due to the topographical challenges, rescue teams were finally able to make significant progress. They achieved this through a vertical drilling machine installed above the tunnel. Over three vehicles and 13 hours later, the machine was brought to the spot.
Also Read: Rescue Ops At Uttarakhand’s Tunnel Enters Day 5; Workers Stuck For 96 Hrs Get Food, Medicines
The six-inch pipeline now ensure hot meals like khichdi and daliya seamlessly reach stranded workers and satiate their hunger. The endoscopic flexi camera helps the workers communicate with the officials and rescue teams.
We pray for the safety of the labourers and sincerely hope they get evacuated at the earliest.
Cover Image Courtesy: @pushkardhami/ X and Canva
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