The Odia labourers, Dhiren Nayak of Badakudar and Bisweswar Nayak of Jogibandh in Mayurbhanj, Raju Nayak of Kuldiha in Balasore and Bhagaban Bhotra of Nabarangpur, met the chief minister at the latter’s residence in Bhubaneswar after their arrival in the city earlier in the day.

During the meeting, the labourers narrated their ordeal inside the collapsed tunnel for 17 days to the chief minister. Appreciating the patience and survival instincts of the workers. “Your struggle will remain an inspiration for others who face difficulties in life. You are true heroes of the society,” said Naveen.

The families of the four labourers and Labour Minister Sarada Prasad Nayak were also present in the meeting.

Nayak, who accompanied the workers back home, thanked the Chief Minister and 5T Chairman VK Pandian for promptly sending the officials to the site and later their family members to Uttarakhand by facilitating their air travel, food and accommodation. The CM also ensured that workers and their families are flown back home safely, he added.

Total five Odia labourers were rescued from the tunnel. While four of them reached Bhubaneswar, another worker, Tapan Mandal of Bhadrak district, stayed back in Uttarakhand with one of his relatives following the rescue.