U'khand CM Dhami Announces Rs 1 Lakh Aid For Rescued Tunnel Workers, Pledges Reconstruction Of Baukhnag Temple

Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced a grant of Rs 1 Lakh for each rescued worker, PTI reported on Tuesday. Alongside this aid, CM Dhami confirmed the reconstruction of the Baukhnag temple and announced plans for a comprehensive review of the ongoing tunnel construction projects. The successful liberation of the 41 workers confined within the Silkyara tunnel concluded a grueling 17-day saga.

Commending the unwavering dedication of the rescue teams, CM Dhami expressed gratitude, saying, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the individuals involved in this operation. Prime Minister Modi remained in constant communication with me, diligently monitoring the progress of the rescue mission. His unwavering support made this achievement possible. Just moments ago, he emphasized the need for thorough medical check-ups for everyone and ensured arrangements for their safe return home."

Rescue workers pulled out all 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel in a multi-agency rescue operation that hovered between hope and despair for almost 17 days. A portion of the tunnel on the Char Dham route collapsed on November 12, blocking the exit of the workers who were inside.

Manual miners played a crucial role in the underground rescue operation, as highlighted by CM Dhami, who also mentioned, "International experts were consulted to determine the shortest route for rescuing the workers."

Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the challenges faced by the Auger machines, thanking the manual miners for their pivotal role in accomplishing the tunnel rescue mission.

Regarding the condition of the rescued workers, CM Dhami assured that none were critical, emphasizing, "Considering their transition from a different environment, we'll follow doctors' advice... they will undergo medical supervision with close monitoring."

The Chief Minister's office reported Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacting CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressing well wishes for the safe evacuation of the 41 Silkyara workers and seeking updates on their status.

Union Minister General VK Singh (Retd) praised PM Modi's guidance, stating, "We received everything needed due to PM Modi's guidance... there was excellent coordination among all members involved."

Earlier, a video posted by PTI showed Dhami lauding the workers, accompanied by Union Minister VK Singh.

Teams from SDRF and NDRF had entered the tunnel with stretchers before the initial evacuation, with Union Minister VK Singh joining CM Pushkar Singh Dhami at the site to welcome the workers.

The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12 due to a landslip, trapping the workers within the 4.5-kilometer structure.

The majority of those trapped were migrant laborers from various parts of the country. Families of these workers have gathered at the site for days, eagerly seeking updates on the rescue operation and hoping for a reunion with their loved ones.