Authorities in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand are in a race against time to rescue approximately 40 workers trapped inside a tunnel.
The collapse occurred on Sunday morning due to a landslide as the workers were constructing the Silkyara tunnel, a part of the government’s highway project to enhance connectivity to pilgrimage spots in Uttarakhand.
The incident, which happened around 200 meters from the tunnel’s opening, led to a blockage of oxygen supply to the workers.
Contact has been established with the trapped men, and they are currently receiving oxygen, food, and water through a pipeline originally intended for construction work.
Rescue efforts involve using excavators to clear debris, with progress being made from the side of the tunnel.
The challenging task of digging through several meters of debris is underway, and it may take several hours before the workers can be reached, possibly by Monday evening.
The workers, hailing from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, had planned to celebrate Diwali together.
The collapse occurred when some workers had left the tunnel for a break.
The state’s chief minister is overseeing the rescue operations, and both national and state disaster relief teams are working collaboratively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered assistance, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Source-BBC
