Uttarkashi: Since the operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel has been disrupted again, the administration is planning to provide these workers board games and playing cards, according to an official quoted in media reports.
The evacuation plan has again been disrupted after cracks started appearing in the platform on which the drilling machine rests, late on Thursday.
Newswire PTI quoted psychiatrist Dr Rohit Gondwal who was present at the rescue site, ‘We are planning to provide ludo and chess boards and playing cards to help them (trapped labourers) relieve stress. The operation is getting delayed and it appears that it will take some more time.’ Dr Gondwal asserted, that all these 41 workers are doing fine, but they also need to stay fit both physically and mentally.
Dr Gondwal also added, ‘They told us that they play ‘chor-police’, do yoga and exercise daily to de-stress.
Addressing the psychological well-being of the trapped workers, another healthcare professional emphasized the importance of maintaining their morale and ensuring they remain motivated. A dedicated team of doctors engages with the workers daily, inquiring about both their physical health and mental well-being.
The most recent challenge emerged hours after the resumption of the rescue operation earlier in the day. The operation encountered a setback with a six-hour delay required to remove an iron girder obstructing the auger machine late on Wednesday.
Ever since the rescue operation began on November 12 after a certain portion of the tunnel had collapsed, this is the third time that the drilling exercise has been halted.
According to officials quoted in media reports rescuers have been successful in drilling the rubbles upto 48 meters, now for the labourers to out, they still need to cover the next 10 meters.