DEHRADUN: Even as rescuers mounted a massive operation outside to evacuate those trapped within the Silkyara tunnel, a remarkable, as yet untold story, was unfolding inside. Unknown to many, the 41 workers, often with little food, disturbed sleep and bouts of anxiety, were actively contributing to rescue efforts to get them out.
Officials on duty told TOI on Tuesday that these trapped workers played a pivotal role in the operation by assisting in the deployment of oxygen pipes and creating safety points amid the drilling workfrom three different directions.Equipped with the necessary tools, they demonstrated determination and discipline, ensuring all tasks assigned to them by the rescue teams were accomplished.
Over the 17 days of confinement, they adapted, re-composed themselves, and collaborated for the greater good, closely following the guidance of the medical team assessing the ground situation. Dr Rohit Gondwal, overseeing the mental counselling of the workers from outside the tunnel, commended the workers for maintaining a calm demeanour and “displaying the highest order of discipline”.
The unity among the trapped workers stood out. Gondwal said, “Interestingly, none of the 41 workers crumbled under the circumstances or refused to contribute to work. None of them fought among themselves or had even the smallest tiff during these all these days.” Their composure and cooperation were key for the successful execution of instructions from the rescue teams outside the tunnel.
A frontline personnel in the rescue mission recounted the tactics employed to boost the morale of the workers. saying, “Whenever we felt that our people inside the tunnel were sounding low and despondent, we instructed them to continue working in a jovial manner so that they kept doing things as per our instructions.”
Highlighting the workers’ foresight and grit, an official from the Uttarkashi district administration said, “They were told to stock their edibles and toiletries to prepare for any forthcoming adverse situations. Not getting demotivated, they collected and stocked those items patiently, never showcasing signs of being mentally or physically drained out. This played a key role in their eventual rescue.”
Humor and camaraderie became tools to ensure everyone stayed focused on the task at hand. Another rescue team member told TOI, “One of them had asked me for chicken for dinner and I had promised him a chicken party once he was outside provided he completed the task of setting up the oxygen pipe with precision.”
Officials on duty told TOI on Tuesday that these trapped workers played a pivotal role in the operation by assisting in the deployment of oxygen pipes and creating safety points amid the drilling workfrom three different directions.Equipped with the necessary tools, they demonstrated determination and discipline, ensuring all tasks assigned to them by the rescue teams were accomplished.
Over the 17 days of confinement, they adapted, re-composed themselves, and collaborated for the greater good, closely following the guidance of the medical team assessing the ground situation. Dr Rohit Gondwal, overseeing the mental counselling of the workers from outside the tunnel, commended the workers for maintaining a calm demeanour and “displaying the highest order of discipline”.
The unity among the trapped workers stood out. Gondwal said, “Interestingly, none of the 41 workers crumbled under the circumstances or refused to contribute to work. None of them fought among themselves or had even the smallest tiff during these all these days.” Their composure and cooperation were key for the successful execution of instructions from the rescue teams outside the tunnel.
A frontline personnel in the rescue mission recounted the tactics employed to boost the morale of the workers. saying, “Whenever we felt that our people inside the tunnel were sounding low and despondent, we instructed them to continue working in a jovial manner so that they kept doing things as per our instructions.”
Highlighting the workers’ foresight and grit, an official from the Uttarkashi district administration said, “They were told to stock their edibles and toiletries to prepare for any forthcoming adverse situations. Not getting demotivated, they collected and stocked those items patiently, never showcasing signs of being mentally or physically drained out. This played a key role in their eventual rescue.”
Humor and camaraderie became tools to ensure everyone stayed focused on the task at hand. Another rescue team member told TOI, “One of them had asked me for chicken for dinner and I had promised him a chicken party once he was outside provided he completed the task of setting up the oxygen pipe with precision.”