INDIA THIS WEEK FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Uttarakhand: All 41 trapped workers rescued successfully from Silkyara tunnel Vol 32 No: 47 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday December 1, 2023 been successfully rescued. This was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges. Tireless and sincere efforts by everyone, coupled with prayers from all, have made this operation possible. The dedicated endeavours Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], November 28 (ANI): After tireless efforts of rescuers which continued for 16 days, all 41 trapped workers were evacuated successfully from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, locals distributed sweets outside the Silkyara tunnel as trapped workers were being rescued from the tunnel. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the workers who have been rescued along with Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh. “Initial health checkup of all the workers is being done in the temporary medical camp built in the tunnel,” Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami tweeted. Moreover, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that he is relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued. “I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have TUNNEL RESCUE SEE PAGE 8 ENDS JANUARY 2 NX F SPORT RX F SPORT ES F SPORT WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER TREE Some gifts never stop giving. Apne liye ek aisa gift dhund nikaliye at the December to Remember Sales Event. Now through January 2. Bow optional. ©2023 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Not just a difficult mission but a war for humanity, says chief of firm involved in operation U t t a r k a s h i was majorly involved in the for humanity. We are glad to tunnel site and were seen Union Minister of State (Uttarakhand) [India], November 28 (ANI): As the nation breathed a huge sigh of relief following the successful and safe rescue of 41 stranded workers from the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Cyriac Joseph, the CEO of Squadron Infra Mining Pvt Ltd, which operation, said that it wasn’t just a difficult mission but a ‘war for humanity’. Speaking to ANI after the workers were brought out safely from the tunnel at the end of a determined 16-day effort, Joseph said, “It was not just a difficult mission but war have been a part of it.” Earlier, on Tuesday, the much-awaited breakthrough was achieved at 7.05 pm as all 41 trapped workers were brought out safely from the Silkyara tunnel. Meanwhile, locals erupted in jubilation at the exchanging sweets as the trapped workers finally saw light at the end of the tunnel. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who camped at the tunnel site, monitoring the progress of the rescue operation every hour, exchanged greetings with the workers, along with General (retd.) VK Singh, after they were rescued. “Initial health checkup of all the workers is being done in the temporary medical camp built in the tunnel,” UttarakhandCM Pushkar Singh Dhami posted from his official handle on X. Cyriac Joseph, the CEO of Squadron Infra Mining Pvt Ltd
December 1 2023 INDIA THIS WEEK Friday Over 40 Years Of Experience 5 FAMILY HAIRCUT $ MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN ROOT TOUCH-UP FOR MEN 20 $ & up SERVICES • BEARD TRIM $500 $ • SHAMPOO 1000 • BLOW DRY $1000 $ 00 • PERM FROM 20 $ 00 • COLOR FROM 20 • HIGHLIGHTS FROM $3500 • SPA PEDICURE FROM $1700 Beauty & Barber Shop 7311 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003 info@csbarbernschool.com US Embassy in India breaks record, issues over 140,000 student visas Washington, DC [US], November 29 (ANI): The US Embassy and its consulates in India have issued an all-time record of over 140,000 student visas between October 2022 and September 2023. “Our embassy and consulates in India issued an all-time record of more than 140,000 student visas,” the US State Department announced on Tuesday. The US State Department stated, “From October 2022 through September 2023 (the 2023 federal fiscal year), the Department of State issued a near-record level of nonimmigrant visas of more than 10 million globally.” Half of the US embassies and consulates adjudicated more nonimmigrant visas than ever before. Additionally, the US embassy issued nearly eight million visitor visas for business and tourism, more than in any fiscal year since 2015, the statement said. Moreover, the US embassy and consulates issued more than 600,000 student visas, the highest in any year since Fiscal Year 2017. The statement further said that these achievements were possible because of innovative solutions, such as expanding interview waiver authorities that allow frequent travellers who meet strict national security standards to renew their visas without having to visit an embassy or consulate. “Looking to the future, we are exploring new technologies to assess opportunities to streamline operations, such as the option of domestic renewal in select visa categories,” it added. Last month, the US Mission to India reached and surpassed the goal to process one million nonimmigrant visa applications in 2023. The US Embassy and Consulates in India said in a statement that last year over 1.2 million Indians visited the US, making it one of the most robust travel relationships in the world. “Indians now represent over 10 per cent of all visa applicants worldwide, including 20 per cent of all student visa applicants and 65 per cent of all H&Lcategory (employment) visa applicants. The United States welcomes this growth,” the statement said. Meanwhile, earlier this month, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti visited the US mission in the national capital to oversee the “unprecedented demand” for US visitor visas among the Indians. The US Embassy said that Garcetti was the special guest helping the extra visa applicants on ‘Super Saturday’. (ANI)
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December 1 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK PM Modi speaks to workers rescued from Silkyara tunnel over phone New Delhi [India], November 29 (ANI): Hours after the safe evacuation of 41 trapped workers from the Silkyara tunnel on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the rescued men over the phone. All 41 men, who were rescued from the collapsed tunnel after 17 days, have been brought to the Community Health Centre in Chinyalisaur for primary medical treatment. Their names include Viswajit Kumar, Subodh Kumar, Rajendra Bedia, Sukram, Tinku Sardar, Gunodhar, Sameer, Ravindra, Ranjeet, Mahadev, Bhukttu Murmu, Jamra Oraon, Vijay Horo, Ganapati – all from Jharkhand, Gabbar Singh Negi, and Pushkar – both from Uttarakhand, Saba Ahmed, Sonu Sah, Virendra Kiskoo, and Sushil Kumar – all from Bihar, Manir Talukdar, Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], November 29 (ANI): Evacuated workers who were rescued from inside the Uttarkashi tunnel after 17 days of being trapped are now looking forward to meeting their anxious families. One of the rescued labourers, Vishwajeet Kumar Verma from Jharkhand who operates a compressor machine said that he had full faith that he would be rescued and would see the outside world again. “I am very happy and safe. All the other trapped labourers are also safe. Now, we are in the hospital. The debris had fallen at the beginning of the tunnel and I was on the other side. The road of about two and a half kilometers was empty. We used to roam around inside the tunnel to spend our time. There was a little fear in the beginning, but as we got food, water and talked to our families, our morale kept going higher and higher. We had full faith that very soon we would see the outside world,” Vishwajeet said. A colleague of Vishwajeet, Subodh Kumar Verma said that the workers inside the tunnel were ‘determined’ to be evacuated. “I am a resident of Jharkhand and run a concrete pump inside the tunnel. An atmosphere of fear was created among the labourers after a part of the tunnel suddenly collapsed. 18-24 hours passed in the shadow of fear and after that, when we started getting food and drink, we got some relief. The administration had also arranged for oxygen. We had full faith that the administration would take us out,” he said. Subodh Verma further said that he was eagerly waiting to meet his family. “I am in touch with my family on the phone continuously,” Subodh said. On November 12, a section of the tunnel between 205 and 260 metres from the Silkyara side collapsed. Workers who were beyond the 260metre mark were trapped, with their exit blocked. Of the 41 men, 15 are from Jharkhand, two are from Uttarakhand, five are from Bihar, three are from West Bengal, eight are from Uttar Pradesh, five are from Odisha, two are from Assam, and one is from Himachal Pradesh. The rescued workers were draped in orange marigold flower garlands and were greeted by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister VK Singh. The first workers were brought out following a series of agonizing setbacks, during which rescue efforts were halted when the heavy drill meant to break through the debris broke down, forcing workers to adopt riskier methods. Following the safe evacuation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the courage and patience of the trapped workers and their families and the bravery and determination of the rescue personnel. PM Modi in his post on X said “The success of the rescue operation of our labourer brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health.” “It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough”, PM Modi added. PM Modi further said that everyone involved in this mission has set an example of humanity and teamwork. (ANI) Sevik Pakhera, and Jaydev Parmanik – all from West Bengal, Akhilesh Kumar, Ankit, Ram Milan, Satya Dev, Santosh, Jai Prakash, Ram Sundar, and Manjit – all from Uttar Pradesh, Tapan Mandal, Bhagwan Batra, Viseshar Naik, Raju Naik, and Dhiren – all from Odisha, Sanjay and Ram Prasad from Assam, and Vishal from Himachal Pradesh. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had called Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and gave his best wishes for the safe evacuation of 41 workers from the Silkyara tunnel. During this, PM Modi took information from the Chief Minister about the workers. Reacting to the safe rescue of the workers, PM Modi praised the bravery and determination of rescuers involved in the Silkyara tunnel operation, saying that they have given new life to the laborers who were trapped in the tunnel for the last 16 days, adding that the mission has set an “example of humanity and teamwork.” “The success of the rescue operation of our laborer brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience are inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health,” PM Modi said in a post on X. “It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough,” PM Modi added. (ANI) “We knew we would be rescued” say rescued workers as they look forward to meeting families “Workers showed courage, kept our hopes alive:” says Bhaskar Khulbe who supervised Uttarakhand tunnel rescue The courage displayed by the workers trapped for 17 days inside the collapsed Silyara tunnel in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand gave a boost to those involved in Uttarkashi, Nov 28 (ANI): Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets the workers who were rescued from the Silkyara tunnel, on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) the multi-agency rescue operation. Former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office Bhaskar Khulbe, who has been supervising the rescue efforts on Wednesday the courage of the workers who were evacuated safely shows that one should never lose hope in the face of difficulties. Speaking to ANI on the successful rescue operation, Khulbe said, “I will always wish that such a disaster doesn’t strike again. The courage shown by the 41 workers demonstrates that one should never lose hope. Difficulties do come in life.” Khulbe said he used to pray every morning before leaving to inspect the rescue work. “Their courage kept our hopes alive and were therefore able to rescue them.” On November 12, a section of the tunnel between 205 and 260 metres from the Silkyara side collapsed. Workers who were beyond the 260-metre mark were trapped, with their exit blocked. All 41 workers who were trapped inside Uttarakhand’s Silkyari tunnel since November 12 were evacuated safely on Tuesday evening. The breakthrough was achieved at 7:05 pm. The rescued workers were draped in orange marigold flower garlands and were greeted by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister VK Singh. 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December 1 2023 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK “Very operational, professional and humanistic approach was adopted”: NDMA member Ata Hasnain after workers rescued from Silkyara tunnel New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): After 41 workers were rescued from the Uttarkashi’s Silkyara Tunnel on Tuesday, National Disaster Management Authority Member, Lt General (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain said that a very operational, professional and humanistic approach was adopted by the Centre which led to the success of the rescue operations. Speaking to ANI, NDMA Member Syed Ata Hasnain said, “There were every technology of the world and all advisors who played such an important role in holding our hand, giving confidence to the people on ground and offering their advice and very importantly all agencies were working together and their lines were open. A lot of people went to their ground and offered services.” “So I think, a very operational, professional, humanistic approach was adopted by the Government of India which led to success,” he added. NDMA Member further stated that the health conditions of the rescued workers will be monitored for the next 48 to 72 hours. “Now they will be managed. In the last 12 hours, the NDRF has led the operation. They went and brought these workers out. Before that Rat miners and army engineers were working. At every phase of this operation, there have been different agencies going in and doing specialized work,” Hasnain said. “I am told that now at 60 to 80 meters away from the site of the collapse, within the opening of the tunnel, there is an 8-bed hospital which has been created there, and all of them are coming. Their medical checkups are being done. Individually these vehicles (ambulances) are being marched off and sent to the district hospital which is 30 km away and is just incidentally next to the airfield where a Chinook helicopter is also parked that will be available in the morning if the doctors decide that all 41 workers can be held together in that hospital,” he added. He further informed that it is likely that two sorties will be conducted from Chinook Helicopter to move the rescued workers to From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- November 24, 2023 Be Thankful – Poet Unknown Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference. It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. AIIMS Rishikesh for further monitoring. “Tomorrow probably in two sorties, the Chinook helicopter will be able to move all of them to AIIMS Rishikesh and they will probably be kept for about 48 to 72 hours under observation to make sure that there’s nothing secondary that emerges after they have come out from this confinement for the last 17 days,” he said. NDMA Member further emphasized the important role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India has achieved this tremendous achievement under the leadership of our Prime Minister and the various organisations that he leads, the PMO itself, from where his Principal Secretary has been leading the efforts, who has been on the ground himself and spoken to the workers at some time also gone to each and every site of the options which were being pursued by all the disaster management authorities at that particular time. The only message that needs to be realized and communicated is, that this has been all of the government and all of India’s operation,” he said. Commending media for its role in the depiction of incidents and playing a positive impact, Ata Hasnain said, “I compliment the Indian media. I don’t think the media in India has displayed this kind of propensity towards utter maturity. It is a marvellous moment for all of us.” He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi experience in Gujarat as Chief Minister helped enormously in this difficult operation. INDIA THIS WEEK Address: P.O. Box 352, Bryans Road, MD 20616 Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online “From feedback, and direction to monitoring, his experience in his Gujarat tenure when the earthquake happened. All legal frameworks related to disaster management was implemented in Gujarat before the Disaster Management Act came into effect. His experience played an important role,” he said. After tireless efforts of rescuers which continued for 16 days, all 41 trapped workers were evacuated successfully from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the workers who have been rescued along with Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh. Earlier a portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, trapping 41 labourers inside the underconstruction structure. (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 29 (ANI): As news broke of the successful rescue operation of 41 workers from the Silkyara tunnel on Tuesday evening, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari sighed in relief and thanked the various rescue teams engaged in the operation over several days. Taking to ‘X’, Gadkari praised multiple agencies involved in the rescue and called the efforts “well-coordinated.” “I am completely relieved and happy as 41 trapped labourers in the Silkyara Tunnel Collapse have been successfully rescued,” said Gadkari on X. “This was a wellcoordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years. Various departments and agencies complemented each other despite facing numerous challenges,” he said. “I express gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation. Deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response,” Gadkari added in his post. The much-awaited breakthrough was achieved on Tuesday evening as all 41 trapped workers were brought out safely from the Silkyara tunnel. Locals erupted in jubilation at the tunnel site and were seen exchanging sweets as the trapped workers finally saw light at the end of the tunnel. Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also met all 41 men, who were rescued from the collapsed tunnel after 17 days of ordeal. “The exact time of breakthrough was 7:05 pm. Uttarakhand CM, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation Gen VK Singh are present there,” said Harpal Singh, Project Head, Zojila Tunnel. A portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, trapping 41 workers inside the underconstruction structure. (ANI) Successful rescue operation in Silkyara tunnel: Union Minister Gadkari lauds ‘well-coordinated efforts’ Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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INDIA THIS WEEK Uttarakhand: All 41 trapped workers rescued successfully from Silkyara tunnel December 1 2023 TUNNEL RESCUE FROM PAGE 1 of the rescue teams have yielded favourable results,” Gadkari posted on X (Formerly Twitter). ‘ He further expressed gratitude to each agency and individual involved in this rescue operation. “Deep appreciation for the international rescue experts, administrative officers, and the Uttarakhand government for their swift and effective response. I take this opportunity to thank the PM @narendramodi Ji, who has been constantly monitoring the entire operation and providing guidance and support whenever required. CM Uttarakhand @pushkardhami Ji and my colleague @Gen_VKSingh Ji almost camped there during the operation. Last but not least, I thank the officers and engineers of MoRTH for their sincere efforts,” he further said. As workers were rescued, Kin of Anil Bedia, a worker from Ranchi, who was trapped in the Silkyara tunnel said, ” We’re feeling very good... we hope he comes out soon... ” “The exact time of breakthrough was 7:05 pm. Uttarakhand CM, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation Gen VK Singh are present there,” said Harpal Singh, Project Head, Zojila Tunnel. CM Dhami highly appreciated the morale and courage of the workers and personnel engaged in the rescue operation. Earlier today, Uttarakhand CM and other officials reached the Silkyara tunnel rescue site. A portion of the tunnel caved in on November 12, the debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel, trapping 41 labourers inside the underconstruction structure. “Patience, hard work and faith won,” CM Dhami after 41 labourers rescued from Silkyara tunnel After 41 trapped workers were rescued from the Silkyara tunnel, Friday Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that this is the victory of “patience, faith and hard work.” “Patience, hard work and faith won,” Uttarakhand CM posted on X (Formerly Twitter). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also met the workers who have been rescued along with Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh. Meanwhile, Union Minister Anurag Thakur praised the rescuers and said that the ordeal is over now and it is time for the reunion. “After over two weeks of untiring efforts, our engineers, technicians and staff of the rescue team have safely rescued all 41 people trapped inside an under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel at Uttarkashi,” Anurag Thakur posted on X. “Concerned with the safety and security of people trapped inside, Prime Minister @narendramodi ji was personally monitoring this rescue operation which was one of the trickiest and difficult ones. But our rescuers overcame all stupendous challenges and ensured a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Uttarakhand CM @pushkardhami ji left no stone unturned and remained on standby throughout the operation. The ordeal is over now. It is time for the reunion. Jai Bharat,” he added. Moreover, the Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated the workers and their families. “New India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday lauded the people engaged in the successful rescue operation of stranded workers from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand‘s Uttarkashi. “The safe return of the labour brothers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel of Uttarkashi is very happy news. My heartiest congratulations to them and their families”, Gandhi said in a post on ‘X’. “The safety of our labour brothers who build India is of paramount importance. I salute all the brave men who made this difficult campaign successful”, he added. ji, VVIP and workers, rich and poor, the government is with us in any crisis, be it in the country or abroad! Along with Prime Minister Modi ji and Chief Minister Dhami ji, I congratulate the workers of their families,” he said. Furthermore, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saluted the efforts and hard work of all those involved in this operation who worked day and night to make it successful. “The hard work of NDRF, Army and other agencies has paid off and “I salute all the brave...”: Rahul Gandhi lauds people engaged in Uttarkashi rescue operation all the workers trapped in the tunnel of Uttarakhand have been rescued safely. I salute the efforts and hard work of all those involved in this operation who worked day and night to make it successful. The prayers of all the countrymen came in handy. I also salute the patience and courage of all those workers who supported and encouraged each other in adverse circumstances. This is the victory of unity of the people of India,” Delhi CM posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the bravery and determination of rescuers involved in the Silkyara tunnel operation, saying that they have given new life to the labourers, who were trapped in the tunnel for the last 16 days, adding that the mission has set an “example of humanity and teamwork”. PM Modi took to X and said “The success of the rescue operation of our labourer brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health.” “It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough, PM Modi added. PM Modi further said that everyone involved in this mission has set an example of humanity and teamwork. “I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. Their bravery and determination have given new life to our labour brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork,” PM Modi said on X. After tireless efforts of rescuers which continued for 16 days, locals distributed sweets outside the Silkyara tunnel as trapped workers were rescued from the tunnel. (ANI)
FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 9 Sale Ends 12/30/2023 “Will review all tunnels in Uttarakhand to avoid such situations”: CM Dhami after 41 workers rescued from Silkyara tunnel Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], November 28 (ANI): After the successful rescue of 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel since November 12, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that in the coming time, the government will also review all the tunnels in Uttarakhand to avoid such situations. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami along with Union Minister VK Singh held a press conference. Addressing the press conference, CM Dhami said “I want to thank everyone related to this rescue operation. PM Modi constantly was enquiring about the operation. Even today he has said that everyone should get the best medical treatment. In the coming time, we will also review all the tunnels in Uttarakhand and the Government of India has done a safety audit so that we do not have to face such situations in future.” “I wish all the labour brothers the best for their bright future,” he added. CM Dhami further said that the manual mining done by the people from Delhi Jal Board and Gorakhpur was the turning point in the rescue operation. “The Auger machine was brought from Indore and Hyderabad. Initially, the machine got stuck after drilling 30 meters due to hard rocks. So it was a very difficult time. It shocked me. But I also want to thank all the people from Delhi Jal Board and Gorakhpur who were doing manual mining below which proved to be a turning point in this operation,” he added. CM Dhami also added that he met all the workers after coming out of the tunnel and they all said that they did not face any problem inside which was a great relief for all of us out here. “From the beginning, we were talking to Saba Ahmed, Gabbar Singh and Akhilesh who were their leaders. First, they will be kept under medical supervision, their condition will be monitored and then further action will be taken. It was decided by all of us that those who were youngest would be taken out first and those who were team leaders would be taken out last. We carried out this rescue operation as best we could. Opinion of experts was taken not only from the country but also from abroad,” CM Dhami said. The Uttarakhand CM further announced that tomorrow the state government will give a compensation amount to all the workers. “Right now, on behalf of Uttarakhand, we will hand over an amount of Rs 1 lakh to each labour brother tomorrow. We will also request the NHIDCL to give time to these 41 workers to go to their homes. All workers are healthy. No signs of any disease have been seen in them. When stretchers were sent for them, they denied and crawled up on their own,” he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised the bravery and determination of rescuers involved in the Silkyara tunnel operation, saying that they have given new life to the labourers, who were trapped in the tunnel for the last 16 days, adding that the mission has set an “example of humanity and teamwork”. PM Modi took to X and said “The success of the rescue operation of our labourer brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health.” “It is a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these friends of ours will now meet their loved ones. The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough, PM Modi added. PM Modi further said that everyone involved in this mission has set an example of humanity and teamwork. “I also salute the spirit of all the people associated with this rescue operation. Their bravery and determination have given new life to our labour brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork,” PM Modi said on X. (ANI)
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