Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: Kin of Odia labourers await their safe homecoming

As the rescue operation for the evacuation of 41 labourers inside Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi entered 12th day on Thursday, the family members of five Odia workers stuck in the tunnel are praying for their safe return. 

Mother of Dhiren Nayak, one of the trapped labourers, said, “It’s been 12 days since my son is stuck in the tunnel. The media is reporting that they will be out very soon. This news gives me relief that all the labourers including my son are safe. I pray to God that my son is rescued from the tunnel safely." 

Similarly, trapped labourer Bhagban Bhatra’s family members from Nabrangpur district said, “He has not come home in the last 1.5 years. We were very much worried after the news of the tunnel collapse broke. After watching the news which said they will be out of the tunnel soon, we are happy and praying before God for his safe return.”

It is to be noted that the Silkyara tunnel had collapsed on November 12, trapping 41 labourers in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. 

Rescue operations were immediately launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) which are currently in the final stage.