Uttarakhand will observe November 28 annually as Disaster Resilience and Management Day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Monday. The date marks the successful rescue of 41 workers from the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in 2023 after a 17-day operation.
Silkyara Rescue: A Landmark in Disaster Response
The workers were trapped on November 12, 2023, when a landslide caused a 60-meter section of the under-construction tunnel in Uttarkashi to collapse. The rescue involved a multi-agency effort, including international experts and specialized drilling equipment, before rat-hole miners manually cleared the final debris on November 28.
Dhami described the operation as a demonstration of human resilience, technological excellence, and coordinated disaster management. The annual observance will honor the teamwork and innovation that ensured all 41 workers were safely evacuated.
New Science Policy to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness
The announcement came during the unveiling of Uttarakhand’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) at the UCOST campus in Dehradun. Dhami called the policy a "game changer" for the state, emphasizing its focus on technology-driven solutions for disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and environmental conservation.
Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General of UCOST, said the policy aims to integrate advanced computing into governance, healthcare, agriculture, and employment. It also seeks to connect grassroots innovators with mainstream research to promote inclusive innovation. UCOST will serve as the nodal agency for implementation.
