A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Sunday as an under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarkashi collapsed, trapping 36 individuals. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police, are tirelessly engaged in the rescue mission.
The collapse occurred during the construction of the tunnel, which aimed to connect Silkyara to Dandalgaon as part of the Char Dham Road Project, a crucial initiative to reduce the journey from Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Dham by 26 kilometers.
The collapse, which occurred around 4 am, affected a 150-meter-long section of the four-and-a-half-kilometer-long tunnel. Swift action was taken as the district administration issued an alert, and Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi promptly arrived at the scene.
Rescue operations are in progress, spearheaded by the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and the police. Preliminary reports suggest that 36 workers are feared to be trapped. Clearing approximately 200 meters of the collapsed section is crucial to opening the tunnel. A narrow opening has been established to insert an oxygen pipe, providing assistance to the trapped laborers.
Expressing concern, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in constant communication with officials, stated that both the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF are actively participating in the rescue operation. He conveyed, “We pray to God for the safe return of everybody.”
