MIB To Media: Don't Sensationalise Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue Mission

In a race against time, rescue teams are diligently working to free 41 labourers trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel following a collapse on November 12. The incident occurred in an under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot when a muckfall in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side trapped the workers. 

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) issued an advisory on Tuesday, urging television channels to exercise caution in their coverage. It said TV channels are advised to refrain from sensationalising the issue and from undertaking any live posts/videos from close proximity to the tunnel site where the rescue operations are underway.

"It is also advised to be cautious and sensitive while reporting on the matter, especially in putting out headlines, videos, and images,” stated the ministry in its advisory.

The Ministry requested the channels to ensure that the operations are in no way disrupted or disturbed by the very presence of cameramen, reporters, or equipment near or around the operation site.

“Telecast of video footages and other pictures relating to the operations by the TV channels, especially by placing cameras and other equipment in close proximity to the rescue operations site, have the potential to adversely affect the ongoing operations,” the advisory continued.

The first visuals of workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi surfaced on Tuesday morning, a day after rescuers pushed a six-inch-wide pipeline through the rubble – a breakthrough that would help them supply larger quantities of food to the labourers trapped inside for nine days. At the time of writing, rescue operations are continuing in full swing to save the trapped workers, and constant communication is being maintained with efforts to keep up the morale of the workers trapped in the two km-built tunnel portion.