Uttarakhand Tunnel Crash News Live Updates: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami felicitates families of workers rescued from Silkyara tunnel

Rat-hole mining: The ‘banned-practise’ that helped in evacuation of 41 workers from Silkyara tunnel

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami felicitates the family members of a few of the 41 workers who are participating in the "Igas Bagwal" celebrations at his residence in Dehradun.

PM Modi was emotional over Silkyara rescue ops: Anurag Thakur recalls cabinet meeting

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets the families of a few of the 41 workers rescued from the Silkayara tunnel, at "Igas Bagwal" celebrations at his residence in Dehradun.

Surojit Behera from West Bengal, whose brother-in-law is one of the 41 workers, says, "We are very happy. We were confident (of their rescue). We received a lot of help from the Government. The Uttarakhand Government helped us a lot. The Chief Minister was there for 7-8 days and he too was involved in the operation..."

‘We were worried…’: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Silkyara Tunnel Rescue operation

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami arrives at 'Igas Bagwal', being celebrated at his residence in #Dehradun to mark the successful rescue of all 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara Tunnel

India thanks Arnold Dix - Man behind successful rescue of 41 workers trapped in Silkyara Tunnel

On the successful Silkyara tunnel rescue mission, Spain Ambassador to India Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez says, " It is immense happiness to know that all 41 people have been released, and I congratulate all the people who worked on this difficult task..."

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Prof. Meenu Singh, Executive Director & CEO, AIIMS Rishikesh says, "They are quite normal, I won't even call them patients. They are feeling quite normal, they are behaving very normally. Their blood pressure, vitals, oxygenation - everything is normal. We have done some basic preliminary investigations just to look at their electrolytes and their other blood parameters. The report will be coming and we will also be doing their ECG, just to see if there is any effect on the heart. These are very basic investigations which we will have. We will do a basic psychological assessment also so that we can follow it up later - whether this incident is having any effect on them on a long-term basis..."

Medical examination of all the 41 workers who were rescued from Silkyara tunnel yesterday, underway in Rishikesh AIIMS.

Dehradun DM Sonika says, " All the workers have been brought to the wards. Medical protocols are being followed, and all the workers are being examined and they're under observation..."

Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "This matter (Uttarkashi tunnel rescue) did come before the cabinet and the Prime Minister was very emotional. The prayers of the whole of government and the entire country were with them. All kinds of efforts were made to save every single life. Even during election campaigning, he used to seek information from the (Uttarakhand) Chief Minister twice a day...The workers have shown us what is team spirit and leadership abilities..."

On Uttarkashi tunnel rescue, Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green says, "The natural human reaction is to be relieved and delighted for these 41 workers and for all of their friends and other loved ones. We were all imagining how terrible it must have been in this appalling situation and their families wondering what their fates would be and how joyful we all feel and relieved that they are safe and sound & back in the arms of their loved ones."

The workers rescued from the Silkyara tunnel have been airlifted today from Chinyalisaur Community Health Center to Rishikesh AIIMS.

Doctor Narendra Kumar, Assistant Professor, Hospital Administration, AIIMS Rishikesh says, "They don't seem to be under any sort of mental stress. Still, we have teams of psychiatrists and doctors of internal medicine who will do their initial examination. After that evaluation, blood investigation, chest x-ray and whatever other requirements the doctors deem correct will be done. After all of these, we will decide who needs observation or discharge."

Doctor Narendra Kumar, Assistant Professor, Hospital Administration, AIIMS Rishikesh says, "They don't seem to be under any sort of mental stress. Still, we have teams of psychiatrists and doctors of internal medicine who will do their initial examination. After that evaluation, blood investigation, chest x-ray and whatever other requirements the doctors deem correct will be done. After all of these, we will decide who needs observation or discharge."

Tunnel rescue mission discussed at Cabinet meet; PM was very emotional: Anurag Thakur

The Uttarakhand tunnel rescue mission came up for discussion during the meeting of the Union Cabinet on Tuesday night, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "very emotional", Union minister Anurag Thakur said on Wednesday. Briefing reporters on the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Thakur said there was "whole of government" approach and every effort was made to save every life. Amid election campaign, the prime minister used to get updates at least twice a day from various sources, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, he said in response to a question.

Uttarakhand tunnel survivors airlifted to AIIMS-Rishikesh for check-up

Workers rescued from the Silkyara tunnel were airlifted to AIIMS-Rishikesh for a health check-up on Wednesday, officials said. Forty-one workers were rescued from the collapsed tunnel in Uttarkashi after a gruelling 17-day operation that culminated on Tuesday evening. The workers were kept under medical observation at a hospital in Chinyalisaur after their evacuation.

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"PM Modi didn't miss single day's update" says Uttarakhand CM Dhami on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Wednesday, expressed his happiness on the successful rescue of trapped 41 workers from the Uttarkashi tunnel and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself was being constantly updated of the mission and did not miss the updates even a single day. "The mission was very challenging and all the people working in it have contributed. I thank everyone, especially our Prime Minister. I never heard that even for a single day the Prime Minister missed any update on the rescue mission. He took cognizance of even the minutest details of the rescue operation and extended his advice on how we could proceed further," said Dhami. "He (PM Modi) explained everything about how to motivate the experts who were fully engaged and because of his constant guidance, we made this difficult campaign successful," Dhami added.

After the safe rescue of all 41 Silkyara tunnel workers, Uttarakhand CM PS Dhami meets them at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre

Uttarkashi rescue operation: All 41 workers healthy

' We Used to do YOGA, Morning Walk Inside Tunnel': Watch PM Modi's Conversation with 41 Workers

Uttarakhand Tunnel News: 'Practised yoga, took walks to keep spirits up': Rescued workers interact with PM

The 41 workers, who were rescued from Uttarakhand's Silkyara tunnel in a multi-agency rescue operation, kept their spirits up while trapped inside by taking morning walks and practising yoga, a rescued worker told Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The workers hailed Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and rescue teams for their efforts, with one of them saying they had nothing to worry as when the government could saved Indians abroad, they were within the country. In his telephonic conversation with the rescued workers late Tuesday night, Modi told them, “I congratulate you on coming out safely after being in danger for so many days. It is a matter of happiness for me and I cannot express it in words. If something bad had happened, can't say how we would have taken that. It is God's grace that all of you are safe.”

“Not just a difficult mission but a war for humanity…”: Chief of firm involved in Silkyara rescue op

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union minister VK Singh will distribute cheque of Rs 1 lakh to all 41 workers

Uttarakhand Tunnel News: How trapped workers helped in their own evacuation op

Even as rescuers mounted a massive operation outside to evacuate those trapped within the Silkyara tunnel, a remarkable, as yet untold story, was unfolding inside. Unknown to many, the 41 workers, often with little food, disturbed sleep and bouts of anxiety, were actively contributing to rescue efforts to get them out. Officials on duty told TOI on Tuesday that these trapped workers played a pivotal role in the operation by assisting in the deployment of oxygen pipes and creating safety points amid the drilling work from three different directions. Equipped with the necessary tools, they demonstrated determination and discipline, ensuring all tasks assigned to them by the rescue teams were accomplished on time. Read full story

Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: Families of Silkyara tunnel workers celebrate safe rescue with firecrackers, sweets

As the trapped workers were safely rescued from the Silkyara tunnel on Tuesday evening, their family members and relatives in different parts of the country burst into joy and celebrated the moment like Diwali by bursting crackers. Many relatives, who had reached the site a couple of days after the incident and had been camping there since then, were finally reunited with their loved ones. Meanwhile, locals also erupted in jubilation at the tunnel site and were seen exchanging sweets as the trapped workers finally saw light at the end of the tunnel.

Uttarakhand Tunnel News: The men who went where machines couldn’t

On Sunday, the 15th day that the 41 workers spent trapped, hopes were fast diminishing amidst consecutive setbacks caused by the auger machine's failure to drill beyond 45 metres. It was then that a decision was taken, to deploy ‘rat-hole’ miners, which turned out to be a game-changer. The team, known for burrowing through narrow stretches, excavated the final 12 meters and reached the trapped men in less than 24 hours, a feat described by many experts as ‘extraordinary.’ The miners, who work for a Delhi-based private compa ny ‘Rockwell’, undertook the operation under the supervision of the Indian Army. Team leader Wakeel Hasan told TOI they had “past experience of excavating small tunnels for laying long sewer and water pipe lines but nothing of the scale encountered during the tunnel rescue”. Read full story

Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse News: Constant communication kept workers' mental health stable: Garhwal division health director on Uttarkashi tunnel rescue

After the successful rescue of 41 workers from the Silkyara tunnel on Tuesday evening, Dr Pravin Kumar, Health Director of Garhwal Division, in charge of the rescue operation, highlighted that constant communication with the trapped workers helped in maintaining their mental health stability. Pravin Kumar mentioned that both Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the state health minister were consistently present at the site, and health teams kept boosting the morale of the trapped workers.

Uttarkashi Rescue Explained | How Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation Unfolded in 17 days | Timeline

Uttarakhand Tunnel News: Rock stars snatch Vijay from jaws of death

Fittingly, the first worker to be pulled out of the Silkyara tunnel in an operation that faced daunting odds was named Vijay. “It’s a big relief. I am very happy,” said Vijay Horo from Gumad village in Khunti district of Jharkhand, stepping out in the open after 17 days and smiling for the waiting cameras. Sharing his ordeal with TOI, Satya Dev, one of the trapped men from UP’s Shravasti district who was on his way to a community health centre for a checkup with his brother, said, “Spending days and nights in claustrophobic conditions was very challenging. I have never experienced anything like this... there was fear and anxiety but being in constant touch with the outside world kept me going.” Later, PM Modi spoke to the rescued men over phone and enquired about their well-being, officials said. Read full story

Uttarakhand Tunnel Crash: Life at end of tunnel: India moves mountain to rescue 41 on Day 17

The multi-agency operation to rescue 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi finally succeeded — after days of ups and downs, waves of hope and despair — on Tuesday evening when all of them were safely brought out. The massive effort, unprecedented in its sheer magnitude and ambition, ended an ordeal that lasted 17 long days and had the entire government machinery, including the PMO, putting its might behind the evacuation exercise.At 7.28pm, when the first trapped worker, Vijay Horo, was wheeled out on a stretcher by NDRF personnel, emotions ran high and cheers broke out amongst the rescue personnel, who had quite literally moved mountains to get the men out. Earlier, at 7.12pm, a team of doctors and NDRF men had first entered the tunnel as part of a pre-decided SOP. After the final leg of the mission, which lasted just over an hour, saw the harried but stoic workers walking out, they were welcomed with garlands by Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union minister of state for road transport and highways Gen VK Singh (retd). Read full story

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: 17 days, 57 metres, 41 lives, 1 incredible rescue

Timeline of the various challenges faced by the evacuation teams and the evolving strategies deployed to free the trapped workers since the tunnel collapse at dawn on Diwali. Read full story

NDRF rescue worker says, "We thought of them as our brothers".

"We were a team of four members who first went inside the tunnel. When we first saw the trapped workers, it was the same happiness that a family member would feel," says NDRF rescue worker Sachin Choudhary.

‘Testament to India's unity and resilience’: Syed Ata Hasnain hails successful rescue of 41 workers

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweets, "We will leave no stone unturned to protect our own. Heartfelt gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the tunnel. Commend the grit and determination of those who faced such adversity without giving up hope"

‘Our aim was to safely rescue workers’: Gen VK Singh praises PM Modi after 41 workers rescued

On successful evacuation of all the workers from Uttarkashi tunnel, Mohsen Shahidi, DIG, NDRF says, " Rescuing 41 trapped workers itself was a challenge...last intervention was a joint operation from NDRF and SDRF...so many agencies were involved in the rescue operations...this operation happened successfully because of the proper coordination..."

On successful evacuation of all the workers from Uttarkashi tunnel, Mohsen Shahidi, DIG, NDRF says, " Rescuing 41 trapped workers itself was a challenge...last intervention was a joint operation from NDRF and SDRF...so many agencies were involved in the rescue operations...this operation happened successfully because of the proper coordination..."

SDRF workers engaged in the rescue operations say, "It is a big day for us today. All the workers have finally been rescued successfully. It was a very difficult operation. All the trapped workers are healthy and safe..."

Silkyara rescue: Syed Ata Hasnain recalls shocking moments; praises media for ‘sense of maturity’

Manual miners played big role in tunnel rescue operation. International experts consulted on shortest route for rescuing workers: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

On the successful evacuation of all the workers from Uttarkashi tunnel, Cyriac Joseph, MD & CEO, Squadrone Infra Mining Pvt Ltd and one of the members of the rescue operation says, " It was not just a difficult mission but war for humanity...we're glad to be a part of it..."

"The safe return of the labour brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is a very happy news. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families. The safety of our labour brothers who are building India is of paramount importance. I salute all the brave men who made this difficult campaign successful, tweets Congress MP Rahul Gandhi

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to all the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel. Instructions have been given to the officials for this. Apart from this, complete arrangements will be made for treatment in the hospital till going home: Uttarakhand CMO

The 41 workers who have been successfully rescued have been brought to the Community Health Center in Chinyalisaur for primary medical treatment.

Uttarkashi DM Abhishek Ruhela says, "I want to thank all the workers involved in the rescue operation. PM Modi and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami were constantly taking updates on the operation and no time was wasted in mobilising the resources...All the workers are healthy and they will be kept under primary observation..."