Revealed: The Unknown Side Of PMO's Efforts In Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation

From Deputy Secretary Mangesh Ghildiyal to Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr P K Mishra, officials from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) actively participated in the Silkyara tunnel rescue operations, both on-site and remotely from Delhi.

Upon receiving information about the collapse of a section of an under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri national highway in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, on 12 November, Mishra promptly informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a report from The Indian Express.

The PMO officials have been closely monitoring the ongoing rescue operation, with Mishra personally visiting the site on 27 November to assess the situation.

During his visit, Mishra interacted with trapped workers through communication lines, assuring them of a safe rescue.

Furthermore, Mishra directed Mangesh Ghildiyal, Deputy Secretary of the PMO, to visit the site and assess the situation. Ghildiyal remained stationed in Uttarkashi until the successful completion of the rescue operation on 28 November.

Bhaskar Khulbe, former advisor to the prime minister, was also requested to visit the site and has been actively monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally, innovative technologies like drones, robots, and endoscopic cameras were employed, with support from DST, DRDO, and numerous private start-ups and companies.

A comprehensive "whole government approach" was adopted, involving coordination with relevant ministries/organisations, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Roads Organisation, National Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Management Authority, Uttarakhand government, Uttarkashi district administration, and private entities as needed.

A coordination meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister on 20 November brought together all agencies working at the site. During the meeting, heads of organisations were instructed to personally monitor operations on an hourly basis.

The Union Home Secretary and Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways were tasked with ensuring a green corridor for the transportation of equipment and machinery from various parts of the country.

The member of the NDMA was directed to provide regular media briefings.