Pushkar Dhami Informs NDTV: Trapped Workers in Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Emerge Unscathed, Successfully Escape in Just 30 Minutes

The 41 workers who were trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi for over 400 hours showed no major health issues and were able to crawl out of the tunnel on their own, according to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The workers, who were initially estimated to take two-and-a-half to three hours to be rescued, were so healthy that they did not require the wheeled stretchers that had been prepared for them. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Dhami discussed the challenges faced during the rescue operation, the investigation into the collapse, and the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dhami stated that he personally met with the workers and their relatives and confirmed that they were in good health. He attributed their symptoms of fatigue to lack of sleep, as they were only able to fall asleep at 4 am each day. Despite the initial estimate of five to seven minutes per person to be pulled out on a stretcher, the workers were able to crawl out of the tunnel together in just 30 minutes. They are currently under observation at AIIMS Rishikesh and will follow the advice of doctors for their next steps.

Dhami highlighted the difficulty of the rescue operation, stating that all available technology and expert help, including international experts, were utilized. He credited PM Modi’s guidance and directions for the success of the operation. In response to allegations of inadequate safety measures and the need to bring in machines from outside, Dhami assured that a safety audit of all tunnels has been ordered and will be conducted by both the central and state governments.

Regarding the cause of the tunnel collapse, Dhami stated that an investigation will be carried out and the next steps will be determined based on the findings of the audit. He acknowledged the fragile ecology and unstable rock in the region and assured that all projects are carried out after thorough geological surveys.

Dhami described the rescue operation timeline, stating that initially, it was believed that the trapped workers could be rescued by the company and district officials. However, when it became clear that this was not possible, additional teams and experts were brought in, including mining and international experts, as needed. The operation faced challenges with falling debris and a damaged auger machine, but progress was eventually made through manual drilling.

Dhami expressed his relief and joy at the successful rescue of the workers, stating that for him and everyone involved, it now feels like Diwali, a festival of lights celebrated in India. He emphasized the importance of the workers’ safety and pledged to conduct a thorough audit of all projects to prevent such incidents in the future.