By Our Staff Reporter
Uttarkashi, 25 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami again inspected the rescue site at Silkyara Tunnel in the afternoon today, after hours of confusion over what was next as the drilling had stopped late evening yesterday only after drilling a further distance of just 2 metres. The CM sought updates on the condition of the auger machine. While directing the officials, he said that the auger machine stuck in the pipe should be removed as soon as possible. The machine or any other tool or equipment that is to be used to remove the damaged auger (bit) from the drilled pipe inside the tunnel should be ordered and brought without any delay.
Dhami also examined the quality of food being sent to the workers trapped in the tunnel and also witnessed how the food was being sent to the workers. He asserted that every demand of the workers should be taken on priority. And whatever material is possible should be sent as needed by the trapped workers. Dhami also spoke to some of the trapped workers including Gabar Singh Negi, Sabah Ahmed and Akhilesh and tried to boost the morale of the workers. He informed them that various experts from the country and the world are working day and night to help and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also keeping an eye on the situation and is seeking updates himself every day regarding the rescue mission.The Chief Minister also asked the workers trapped inside to inform the authorities in case of any problem that they may face. He told them that all of them will be taken out soon. The whole country is standing with them. The top priority of the Central and State Government is to evacuate all the workers quickly and safely. Dhami asked not to let the enthusiasm of all the officials, experts and people involved in the campaign diminish. He said that whatever technology and resources are available should be used to speed up the rescue operation. And if needed, additional resources should also be called for from outside immediately. He assured the rescue teams that every possible support will be provided by the state government.
Cabinet Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal, former Advisor to the Prime Minister and Officer on Special Duty to the Government of Uttarakhand Bhaskar Khulbe, Chief Secretary Dr SS Sandhu, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Government of India) Anurag Jain, MD NHIDCL Mahmood Ahmed, Commissioner Garhwal. Mandal Vinay Shankar Pandey, Coordinating Secretary of Rescue Operation Dr Neeraj Khairwal, PMO Deputy Secretary Mangesh Ghildiyal, MLA Sanjay Dobhal, MLA Suresh Chauhan, DG Information Banshidhar Tiwari, District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela and others were present during the inspection and the meeting held thereafter.
CM holds Press briefing in SilkyaraAll steps being taken to rescue workers at the earliest: DhamiBy Our Staff ReporterUttarkashi, 25 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a press briefing at the Temporary Media Centre, Silkyara here today regarding the ongoing rescue operation in Silkyara, Uttarkashi. During the press conference, Dhami admitted that the rescue operation was proving to be a major challenge but added that under the difficult circumstances, the government is engaged in rescue work with full dedication. He informed that the auger machine stuck in the pipe will soon be cut and taken out. For which plasma cutter has also been procured from Hyderabad. The Chief Minister said that he himself had spoken to the workers trapped inside through the communication system installed in the tunnel during the inspection conducted by him. All the workers trapped inside are healthy.At the briefing today, the CM had to face a barrage of questions from the media persons in view of the passing time with no end in sight to the rescue mission. Responding to the questions, the CM said that a detailed technical briefing will be held later by the officials.Dhami asserted that all possible options are being worked out in coordination with the Central and State Governments. SJVNL is preparing for the vertical drill while the RVNL is also preparing to drill from the sides of the tunnel and simultaneously, drilling is also underway from the other end of the tunnel near Barkot.Dhami said that various agencies of the Central and State Government are making every possible effort. Technical assistance is being taken from experts from all over the world. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constantly monitoring the situation. He said that apart from the Army, the help of expert technical agencies of the country and abroad has already been taken to ensure that there is no hindrance in the rescue work.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that there is no dearth of technology and resources in the rescue work. He said that the priority of the government is to safely rescue all the workers trapped in the tunnel. This task is quite challenging, yet all the central and state agencies are working day and night.During this, Cabinet Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal, Chief Secretary Dr SS Sandhu, Anurag Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Government of India), were present during the press briefing.
