Hopes and despair as rescue efforts continue at Uttarkashi | In pictures

The Hindu looks at the rescue efforts that are being carried out at the Silkyara tunnel that collapsed, leaving 41 workers trapped behind a huge mound of debris

A portion of an under-construction tunnel between Silkyara and Dandalgaon on the Brahmakhal-Yamunotri National Highway collapsed early on November 19, trapping around 40 workers inside. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police launched a search and rescue operation immediately after being informed of the accident.

Rescuers on Tuesday released the first video of the workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel here for 10 days. Till Nov. 20, a four-inch existing tube was being used to supply oxygen and items like dry fruits and medicines into the section of the tunnel beyond the rubble of the collapsed portion.

The Silkyara tunnel, about 30 km from the district headquarters of Uttarkashi and a seven-hour drive from the Uttarakhand capital Dehradun, is part of the ambitious Char Dham all-weather road project of the Central Government.

The Hindu’s photographer Shashi Shekhar Kashyap has been stationed at the location.