The central government has issued an advisory, asking televisions channels to refrain from sensationalising the ongoing rescue operation at Silkyara in Uttarakhand where 41 labourers have been trapped for 10 days after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed.
TV channels have been asked not to undertake any live posts/videos from close proximity of the tunnel site, and to ensure that the rescue operation is not disrupted.
Various government agencies are working tirelessly for the safe evacuation of 41 workers, the government said, adding that the operation underway around the tunnel is of an extremely sensitive nature involving saving so many lives.
“Telecast of video footages and other pictures relating to the operations by the TV channels specially by placing cameras and other equipment at close proximity to the rescue operations site have the potential to adversely affect the ongoing operations,” said the advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The ministry has also advised the TV channels to be cautious and sensitive while reporting on the matter especially in putting out headlines, videos and images and take due care of the sensitive nature of operation, psychological status of the family members as well as the viewers.
Meanwhile, the first visuals of the 41 workers trapped inside the tunnel emerged on Tuesday. The visuals were captured using an endoscopic camera sent in through a six-inch pipeline, which was pushed through the rubble.
Officials watching them on a screen are heard giving instructions, asking them to clean the lens and show themselves on camera.
They are also heard asking them to come near the mouth of the pipeline and use the walkie-talkies, apparently sent down earlier.
