Food, Medicine, Prayers And Power Supply: How Workers Survived 17-Day Ordeal In Uttarkashi Tunnel

In a remarkable tale of survival and resilience, 32-year-old Chamra Oraon, a resident of Jharkhand’s Khunti district, was rescued on Tuesday (28 November) night from the Uttarkashi tunnel after enduring a harrowing 17-day ordeal.

Oraon, along with 40 others, was trapped following a collapse inside the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel on 12 November.

Speaking to The Indian Express while being transported to the hospital, Oraon described how the simple pleasures of playing ludo on his phone, eating puffed rice and cardamom seeds, and bathing in natural hill water helped him and his fellow workers endure the long, uncertain hours trapped inside the tunnel.

The smell of fresh air upon his rescue felt like a new lease of life, he said.

Oraon expressed his gratitude towards the rescuers who worked tirelessly for over two weeks to save them, attributing his survival to their efforts and his faith in God.

“Johar (greetings)! Hum achhe hain (I am good). We believed in God and that gave us strength,” he was quoted as saying by IE, reflecting a sense of relief and hope.

The worker, who earns Rs 18,000 a month, reminisced about the moment the disaster struck. He recalled hearing a loud thud and seeing debris falling, which led to him and others being trapped.

Despite the initial restlessness and hunger, Oraon never lost hope.

Around 24 hours after the collapse, authorities managed to send them food and medicine, which Oraon described as a sign that help was on the way.

To pass the time and maintain morale, the trapped workers played ludo on their phones, a small luxury made possible by the power supply provided to them.

They also used the natural hill water for bathing and had designated a specific area for sanitation.

Physically and mentally fit after his ordeal, Oraon is now contemplating his future, unsure if he will return to tunnel work.

His story is not just one of personal survival but also highlights the plight of many workers who face risky conditions for their livelihood.

In a similar vein, the family of 26-year-old Vijay Horo, another rescued worker, expressed their relief and desire for a safer future. Vijay's brother, Robin, shared their intention to seek less hazardous employment, emphasizing the importance of safety over financial necessity.