Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled him again on Tuesday for updates regarding the ongoing mission to rescue 41 workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara tunnel. The prime minister told Dhami that the safe rescue of the trapped workers was their top priority.
Tweeting about the conversation, Dhami said, “Prime Minister @narendramodiji called again today and took information about the relief and rescue operations of the workers trapped in the tunnel under construction in Silkyara, Uttarkashi.” Dhami said the prime minister was informed about the successful construction of six-inch pipeline through debris for communication and supply of essentials and food for the trapped workers.
“Prime Minister was also informed about the conversation with labour brothers with the help of endoscopic flexi camera and their efficiency. The Prime Minister also said that it is our top priority to evacuate all the labour brothers safely,” Dhami tweeted.
The rescue workers on Tuesday morning managed to get the first visuals of the 41 workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. This was made possible after an endoscopy camera was sent into the tunnel via the six-inch pipe that was pushed through the rubble on Monday night. In the video, the workers, wearing yellow and white helmets, are seen receiving food items sent to them through the pipeline and talking to each other. The rescue workers also tried to talk to the trapped workers through a walkie-talkie.
The workers were served hot Khichdi for the first time since they were stranded, on Monday. Food, mobiles and chargers will also be sent into the tunnel through the six-inch lifeline. Though communication was happening, the six-inch pipe was considered a major upgrade as mobile phones could be sent. All these are expected to have a good psychological impact on them.