Uttarakhand CM Dhami Distributes Rs 1 Lakh Relief to Rescued Tunnel Workers

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre to meet the 41 workers rescued from the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. In a video shared, CM Dhami is seen handing over relief cheques of Rs 1 lakh each to the rescued workers, fulfilling the financial assistance commitment he had announced earlier. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuous support and motivation during the rescue operation.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami meets and enquires about the health of rescued tunnel workers at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre, also hands over relief cheques to them pic.twitter.com/fAT6OsF4DU

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2023

CM Dhami, addressing the media on Tuesday, had declared the financial aid and assured that the government would cover the expenses of the workers’ hospital treatment. He emphasized that the rescued workers would be kept under medical observation before being sent home.

In addition to the relief efforts, CM Dhami stated that the Baukhnag temple at the tunnel’s mouth would be rebuilt, and safety audits for under-construction tunnels in the hill state would be conducted by the Union government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the successful rescue operation, acknowledging the emotional impact of the incident. He commended the spirit and courage of the people involved, stating that their resolve had given a new life to the rescued workers. The workers, in turn, interacted with the Prime Minister and expressed their gratitude to both the central and Uttarakhand governments and the rescue teams for their efforts.

The tunnel collapse occurred on November 12 on Uttarakhand’s Char Dham route, trapping the workers inside. The rescue operation, marked by challenges and determination, successfully brought all 41 workers to safety. The workers represented various states, with 15 from Jharkhand, 2 from Uttarakhand, 5 from Bihar, 3 from West Bengal, 8 from Uttar Pradesh, 5 from Odisha, 2 from Assam, and 1 from Himachal Pradesh.