Six labourers from Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district, who were trapped in an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand for 17 days, were recently hailed as heroes upon their safe return. The local administration in Jamshedpur honored them with a felicitation ceremony, commending their unwavering courage and resilience.
After a painstaking rescue operation, the labourers were airlifted from Uttarakhand to Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, and subsequently brought to the collectorate office in their home district. The felicitation took place under the guidance of District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, who expressed his regret for being unable to attend the ceremony due to the visit of Jharkhand Governor C P Radhakrishnan in Baharagora.
The labourers’ harrowing ordeal began on November 14 when they got trapped in the tunnel, located in Uttarakhand’s remote and mountainous region. For 17 agonizing days, they persevered through unimaginable conditions, relying on each other for support and survival. Finally, their prayers were answered as rescue teams successfully freed them from the treacherous enclosure.
Relieved and emotionally overwhelmed, the labourers expressed their gratitude to the rescuers and the entire team involved in their safe retrieval. One of the labourers, Rahul Kumar, shared, We were devoid of any hope after days of darkness and despair. It is only due to the relentless efforts of the rescue teams that we are standing here today. We will forever be grateful to everyone who saved us.
The remarkable rescue operation was a collaborative effort between local authorities, the Indian Army, and various disaster response teams. Risking their own lives, these brave individuals navigated the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions to ensure the safe rescue of the trapped labourers.
The felicitation ceremony aimed to honor the indomitable spirit of the labourers, appreciating their courage and resilience during the arduous 17-day period. While unable to attend due to prior commitments, District Magistrate Manjunath Bhajantri conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and assured the labourers of continued support from the government.
Amidst applause and expressions of admiration from fellow residents of East Singhbhum district, the labourers recounted their traumatic experience, highlighting their unyielding determination to survive. Their story serves as a reminder of the human spirit’s extraordinary capabilities during times of adversity.
As the labourers embark on the journey of healing and recovery, they can take solace in the immense support and encouragement they have received from their community and the local administration. Moving forward, efforts will be made to ensure their well-being and provide necessary assistance to help them rebuild their lives.
The successful rescue of these six labourers stands as a testament to the triumph of bravery over despair. Their will to survive and the unwavering efforts of the rescue teams have set an inspiring example for all. As they return home to their families, the labourers can now look forward to a brighter future, leaving behind the darkness of the tunnel they miraculously escaped.
