Board games, cards, and yoga to keep spirits high for 41 trapped workers in Uttarakhand tunnel

As the rescue operation to evacuate 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand faces repeated delays, rescuers plan to provide board games, playing cards, and yoga sessions to help the workers de-stress. The operation, which has been ongoing for 12 days, experienced another setback as drilling through the rubble was temporarily halted due to cracks in the platform supporting the drilling machine. Despite the challenges, psychiatrists on site report that the trapped laborers are in good health, engaging in activities like playing 'chor-police,' daily yoga, and exercise to maintain their mental well-being.

The decision to introduce board games and playing cards comes as a measure to relieve stress for the workers whose evacuation is hampered by various obstacles. Dr. Rohit Gondwal, a psychiatrist at the rescue site, mentioned that the workers play 'chor-police,' practice yoga, and exercise daily to cope with the prolonged confinement. The delay in the evacuation operation has prompted the medical team to ensure the mental and physical fitness of the workers.

Despite the disruption caused by cracks in the drilling platform, officials remain committed to the rescue mission, with 48 meters of rubble successfully drilled, leaving an additional 10 meters to be covered before the trapped laborers can be evacuated. A team of doctors, including general physicians and psychiatrists, regularly communicates with the trapped workers to monitor their health and mental conditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high morale and motivation.