All 41 construction workers who were trapped for 17 days in a collapsed mountain tunnel in northern India have been successfully rescued.
After numerous challenges, rescue crews drilled through debris to reach the men in Uttarakhand, finally pulling them out using wheeled stretchers through a narrow steel pipe.
The laborers, hailing from some of India’s poorest states, were stuck in the 4.5-km tunnel since its collapse on November 12.
The complex rescue efforts, observed nationwide, culminated in their safe extraction after numerous obstacles and delicate operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the workers before their hospital transfer, offering traditional marigold garlands.
The workers appeared to be in good health upon being rescued, greeted with celebrations at the site.
Rescuers shared their joy at spotting the workers and their determination to work continuously until everyone was brought out.
Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, calling it a significant rescue operation.
The final stage of the operation involved military engineers using hand-digging techniques in extreme weather conditions to clear the remaining debris.
The trapped workers had access to essentials like light, water, and medicines through pipes.
They received hot meals and oxygen supply, and reports suggested they maintained high spirits, even engaging in activities like cricket while underground.
The tunnel is part of a substantial infrastructure project, the Char Dham highway, aimed at connecting Hindu pilgrimage sites.
However, concerns persist regarding the impact of such projects on the fragile Himalayan region, known for its geological instability.
Although the cause of the collapse remains unspecified, the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes raises concerns.
The government has emphasized the use of environmentally friendly techniques in construction and ordered safety audits for other tunnel projects across India.
Source-Aljazeera
