# Twelve Rat Miners Receive Top Medal for Silkyara Tunnel Rescue

2026-08-06T11:45:10+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Twelve rat miners who helped rescue 41 workers trapped in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel received the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak in New Delhi on Wednesday. The tunnel partially collapsed after a landslide on November 12, 2023. The miners cleared the final 12 metres of debris with basic tools and worked for nearly 24 hours. Union minister Nitin Gadkari presented the awards. Each recipient received a certificate, miniature medal and ₹2 lakh. NHIDCL, the Border Roads Organisation, the Army and the Uttarakhand government coordinated the rescue operation.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/12-rat-miners-who-saved-41-trapped-workers-in-silkyara-awarded-sarvottam-jeevan-raksha-padak-101785948714253.html>

Tags: awards, rat miners, rescue operation, Silkyara tunnel, Uttarakhand
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