Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Uttarakhand High Court says satisfied with government's rescue efforts

The Uttarakhand High Court observed on Thursday that it was satisfied with the efforts undertaken by the government during the last 48 hours in its attempt to rescue 41 workers trapped inside the partially collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi district..A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit also asked the government to apprise the Court about the further progress made when the matter is heard next on December 1. "We are satisfied with the steps taken by the government during the last 48 hours. List on December 1, 2023, on which date, learned State counsel shall apprise the Court about further progress made in the matter," the Court noted in its order. The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by non-governmental organization (NGO) Samadhan..The under-construction Silkyara tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway collapsed on November 12 trapping 41 workers.In its plea, the NGO stated that the workers have been trapped inside the tunnel since November 12 but the government has faced challenges in rescuing them.The NGO alleged that the government and the executive body are playing with the lives of the trapped persons.When the matter was first taken up on November 21, the High Court sought responses from the State government and Central government..Pursuant to that, the government filed its response in the matter. When the matter came up for hearing on November 22, the counsel for State informed the Court that food items, medicines, drinking water etc. have been supplied to the persons trapped inside the tunnel and a walkie-talkie set has also been provided to them so that they can communicate with family members and other members of the rescue team. He further assured that no stone would be left unturned in their rescue and they would be rescued as soon as possible.The Court noted the submissions and posted the case for December 1. .Advocates Prabha Naithani and Avidit Noliyal represented the petitioners.Advocates CS Rawat, Ghanshyam Joshi, VK Kaparuwan and Naresh Pant appeared for respondents..[Read Order]