Dehradun: There is an atmosphere of happiness across the state due to the breakthrough of the 4.5 km long Silkyara-Polgaon tunnel being built in Uttarkashi to facilitate the Chardham Yatra. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the breakthrough program of Silkyara Tunnel on Wednesday. It is worth noting that during the construction of Silkyara Tunnel in the year 2023, 41 workers were trapped in it for 17 days. Under the rescue operation conducted under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, all the workers were evacuated safely. Silkyara Tunnel is an important project from the point of view of Chardham Yatra. The length of this double lane tunnel project costing about Rs 853 crore is 4.531 km. The construction of the tunnel will reduce the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham by 26 km, which will provide better facilities and save time to the passengers. Completion of this project will increase the possibilities of business, tourism and employment in the region, which will also strengthen the local economy.
Symbol of engineering success
The Chief Minister congratulated all the engineers, technical experts, workers associated with the project on the occasion of Silkyara Tunnel Breakthrough. He said, ‘This historic occasion is not only a symbol of the success of advanced engineering, but is also a living example of the power of faith and dedication. He said that the Silkyara Tunnel campaign was the world’s most complex and longest rescue operation. Every person associated with it set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork. This incident was a true test of technical and human resolve, everyone united and made this campaign a success. He also thanked the entire rescue team, rat miners, NDRF, SDRF and supporting organizations for making this campaign a success.’
The campaign was conducted successfully
The Chief Minister said that the whole world was watching the Silkyara campaign. With the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and the full support of the Government of India, the state government conducted this challenging campaign successfully. The help of modern resources and experts available in the country and the world was also taken in this rescue campaign. The Chief Minister said that the patience shown by the workers trapped in the tunnel boosted our morale.
The Chief Minister reached Silkyara with worship material
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also participated in the Pran Pratishtha program at Baba Baukhnag temple. For Pran Pratishtha at Baukhnath temple, the Chief Minister reached Silkyara with gifts and worship material from his home in Dehradun. For the safe rescue of the workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel, the Chief Minister himself camped during the Silkyara campaign and continuously monitored and directed the rescue operation. For the success of the rescue operation, the CM had vowed to Baba Baukhnag and pledged to build a temple.
41 workers were trapped in this tunnel
The Chief Minister prayed to Baba Baukhnag for the prosperity of the state and the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state. He said, ‘When Baba Baukhnag was seated at the mouth of the tunnel, only then the trapped laborers could be taken out. At that time he had announced to build a grand temple of Baba Baukhnag. With the consecration of the temple, the resolution has also been fulfilled and devotees will also be able to get the blessings of Baba Baukhnag. The CM said that 41 workers were trapped in this tunnel in a sudden landslide on November 12 during the construction of the tunnel. At that time people from all over the country were praying to God for the well-being of these workers. In that dark tunnel where even the rays of hope were fading, Baba Baukhnag instilled strength and faith as the protector of the mountains.
The Chief Minister made these announcements
During this, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami made many announcements. He said, ‘Action will be taken to name Silkyara tunnel after Baba Bauknag. Primary health center Genwala-Brahmakhal will be made a community health center. Bauknag dune will be developed as a tourist center. A helipad will be constructed near Syalna.’ During this, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, MLA Suresh Chauhan, Durgeshwar Lal, Sanjay Dobhal, Managing Director National Highway Dr. Krishna Kumar, District Magistrate Uttarkashi Dr. Meherban Singh Bisht, SP Mrs. Sarita Dobhal, public representatives and officials were present.
