Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India]: After 41 trapped workers were rescued from the Silkyara tunnel, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the various rescue teams that have been engaged in the operation over several days.
The Chief Minister said, “It gives me immense pleasure to learn about the successful rescue operation and I am very happy that our workers will return home safe.”
It may be mentioned here that out of the 41 trapped labourers in the tunnel, there are five from Odisha.
The State Government also sent a team and the family members of the trapped Odia labourers to the rescue site of the Silkyara Tunnel.
The Chief Minister has thanked the Uttarakhand govt NDRF and the Defence Team for the successful rescue operation and has said that it proves that India can do anything and everything to save the lives of its citizens.
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 are 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.