Worker Safety is Government’s Top Priority; CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Expresses Deep Grief Over Silkyara Tunnel Accident
Immediate compensation ordered for deceased worker’s family; SOP and tunnel safety standards to undergo comprehensive review
Dehradun |
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed profound grief over the death of a worker following the collapse of a section of shotcrete lining inside the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi district. Reiterating the government’s commitment to worker welfare, the Chief Minister said that ensuring the safety of labourers engaged in infrastructure projects remains the state’s highest priority.
Late Wednesday night, the Chief Minister reviewed the incident with Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, the Secretary conducted a detailed review of the rescue response, safety arrangements, and preventive measures with officials of NHIDCL, the district administration, and other concerned agencies.
The Chief Minister directed officials to provide immediate compensation to the bereaved family as per government norms and ensure that the deceased worker’s mortal remains are transported to his native district with full dignity and proper arrangements. He also instructed authorities to extend every possible assistance to the affected family.
During the review meeting, Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman sought a detailed assessment of the causes behind the accident and instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into every aspect of the incident. He emphasized the need to reassess all technical and safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The meeting also included a comprehensive review of the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing tunnel construction and operations. Officials were directed to revise and strengthen the SOPs by incorporating current risks, improved safety practices, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms.
The Secretary instructed the district administration, SDRF, NDRF, Fire Services, Disaster Management Department, NHIDCL, and other technical agencies to jointly update safety protocols and inspect all vulnerable sections inside the tunnel. Potentially hazardous areas are to be identified immediately, and preventive measures implemented to ensure maximum safety for workers and personnel involved in the project.
Senior officials, including Additional CEO (Administration) Prakash Chandra, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya, Additional CEO (Implementation) and DIG Rajkumar Negi, Joint CEO Dinesh Kumar Punetha, along with officials from NHIDCL and other departments, attended the review meeting.
