UTTARKASHI: In the aftermath of the Silkyara Bend Barcot tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, the local administration is ensuring that the forty-one trapped workers receive three meals a day. A dedicated kitchen has been set up to prepare these meals, offering a lifeline to those awaiting rescue.
The New Indian visited the site and interviewed people involved in the food preparation for the trapped workers. Ratnakar, an excavator operator, highlighted that he personally delivers food packets to the workers each day. “Today marks the fourteenth day, and every day, we pray for their safe rescue,” he said.
Supervising the food preparation, Vikas Rana, a senior employee of Navyaug Company, explained the meticulous process. “We pack four chapatis in a single roll, making 41 such rolls. We use bottles for the dal. Our men then deliver the food to them,” detailed Rana.
As many as 10 people are dedicated to preparing food, ensuring that the trapped workers receive meals three times a day, in addition to morning tea and essentials.
WATCH: Emotional brother shares his hope to have meal together with brother, trapped along with 41 other workers in the #SilkyaraTunnel.
“Packing this meal, I’m hoping it’s the last,’ Shares Arvind Bhatt.
Reports: @iAtulkrishan1#UttarakhandTunnelRescue… pic.twitter.com/zGD9jS83KH
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 27, 2023
Arvind Bhatt, another worker involved in food preparation, shared that with each cooking session, they hope it’s the last, anticipating the day when everyone can eat together after a successful rescue.
“The mental health of all the workers is strong. They are doing fine. They are very hopeful that they will be taken out from the tunnel soon. We are also waiting for that day. We all want to have food together,” expressed Bhatt.
As the tunnel collapse marks its fourteenth day, the local administration continues its tireless efforts for the safe rescue of the 41 trapped workers. The Prime Minister’s Office is closely monitoring the situation, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visits the site daily to interact with the workers and officials involved.
#Uttarkashirescueoperation| Pause your grins, India! Imagine being trapped in a tunnel, surviving on 4 rotis, daal and rice for 16 days.
The New Indian reports from #SilkyaraTunnelCollapse site, revealing the dietary supplements provided to the 41 trapped workers awaiting… pic.twitter.com/hu3m8N9z9a
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 27, 2023