Uttarakhand, November 22: 41 workers remain trapped 10 days after the tunnel disaster at the NTPC power project site near Uttarakhand’s Tapovan village. Rescue teams have dug a tunnel over 300 meters long and there is hope of reaching the trapped workers soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone to enquire about the progress of rescue efforts. The CM informed that relief and rescue operations have picked up pace over the last 24 hours.
Experts from NTPC and other agencies are working round-the-clock at the accident site. Hopes have been expressed that the trapped workers may be evacuated in the next 30-40 hours.
The National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Border Roads Organisation, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and the State Emergency Operation Centre are engaged in drilling and excavation work. National Disaster Response Force personnel are providing advanced equipment and operational guidance.
Medical facilities, hot food, and essential supplies are being ensured for the rescue teams working under challenging conditions. Counseling sessions are also being organized for family members of those trapped inside the tunnel.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation under the supervision of senior state government officials.
