Miraculous survival; 41 rescued from Uttarakhand's Silkyari tunnel after 17-day ordeal

DEHRADUN: 41 people trapped in Silkyari Tunnel in Uttarakhand for 17 days have successfully rescued overcoming significant challenges. They relied on a six-inch diameter pipe for oxygen, food and essentials. Their main sustenance was roti and dal curry. To pass time, they played cards alleviating some mental strain. There's a risk of the tunnel collapsing again, so wearing a helmet is strongly advised to prevent injuries from small debris. Some slept at night while others kept watch.

Communication from outside occurred regularly. Counseling sessions boosted morale while doctors sought health updates. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and others visited offering support and confidence.

The nation united in prayer with workers' families waiting outside the tunnel joined by villagers making offerings at a nearby shrine. Gadwal sang traditional Himalayan folk songs (jagar). Two priests conducted daily pujas. Arnold Dix, a tunneling expert frequented the shrine offering prayers with flowers from the Himalayas.