In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the house of Wakeel Hasan, a courageous rat-hole miner instrumental in the daring rescue operations during the Silkyara tunnel tragedy in Uttarakhand last November, was demolished during a recent demolition drive conducted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in Khajoori Khas, northeast Delhi.
Despite claims by DDA officials of prior intimation to occupants, Hasan’s family vehemently refuted receiving any such notice. “We risked our lives to save people without once thinking beyond what was our duty. This is how the authorities are repaying me by making my children homeless,” lamented Hasan. His 15-year-old daughter sustained injuries during the demolition, further exacerbating the family’s plight.
While DDA officials remained silent on the allegations, Hasan’s ordeal underscores the harsh reality faced by many, even after displaying extraordinary courage and selflessness. Rat-hole mining, the method employed by Hasan and his team, involves manual burrowing using hand-held tools and is deemed illegal due to its hazardous nature.
In the wake of the Silkyara tunnel collapse last November, which trapped 41 workers, Hasan and his team played a pivotal role in the rescue efforts, ultimately freeing the trapped individuals after a grueling 17-day ordeal. Their heroic actions garnered national acclaim, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself honoring the team for their bravery.
Despite their valorous contributions, Hasan’s family now finds themselves grappling with homelessness, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those at the forefront of rescue operations. As the nation celebrates their bravery, Hasan’s plight serves as a poignant reminder of the need for greater support and recognition for those who risk their lives to save others.
