Workers trapped in Uttarakhand tunnel collapse successfully rescued

Rescuers in India have successfully freed 41 workers who were trapped in a collapsed tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 days. The workers were brought out through a narrow pipe in wheeled stretchers and taken to the hospital for check-ups. The rescue effort faced numerous challenges but was ultimately completed thanks to the efforts of a group of miners who used hand-held drills to break through the rock. India's president expressed relief and happiness at the successful rescue and praised the endurance shown by the trapped workers. The workers were greeted with cheers and celebrations as they emerged from the tunnel. The Silkyara tunnel is part of a major project connecting Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. The rescue operation involved clearing rubble and drilling an alternate rescue passage. The trapped workers were in good health and were taken to the hospital for assessments. The rescue operation had the nation on edge, with millions praying for the workers' safe rescue. The tunnel collapse has raised concerns about the rapid construction in the region and its environmental impact. The Uttarakhand region plays a crucial role in India's climate and sustains millions of people with water and food. The area is known for its forests, glaciers, and water springs and acts as a significant carbon sink. The tunnel collapse has highlighted the challenges of infrastructure development in the fragile mountainous region.