Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik met with four out of the five laborers who were rescued from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, upon their arrival in Bhubaneswar on Friday. At his residence, Patnaik inquired about their well-being and provided financial assistance by handing over checks of Rs 2 lakh each.
Engaging with the rescued workers, Patnaik, moved by their tales of survival inside the tunnel, hailed them as heroes. He emphasized that their triumph over adverse conditions serves as an inspiration to others. The workers in attendance were Raju Naik, Dhiren Naik, and Biseswar Naik from Mayurbhanj, along with Bhagaban Bhatra from Nabarangpur. The workers’ family members were also present during the meeting at CM Patnaik’s residence.
Additionally, Tapan Mandal from Bhadrak district, who stayed back for reasons yet to be disclosed, is expected to return soon with his family. Labor Minister Sarada Prasad Nayak, accompanied by other department officials, welcomed the workers at Biju Patnaik International Airport on Friday.
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CM Patnaik’s directive prompted Nayak to join the workers’ families in Uttarkashi, where they remained until the successful rescue operation. Nayak shared that the trapped workers were surprised and elated when they learned that the Chief Minister had sent his relatives to the site.
The collapse of the tunnel on November 12 triggered immediate concern from CM Patnaik, who dispatched labor department officials to the scene. Subsequently, Nayak, guided by the Chief Minister, traveled to Uttarkashi on November 23 with the family members of the trapped laborers.
Recalling their initial days post-collapse, the laborers expressed tension but managed to sustain themselves on items like puffed rice and cashew nuts. Later, they received cooked meals such as ‘khichdi,’ dal, and roti, ensuring their survival until rescue.
