'Rescued 41, in return got this': DDA demolishes house of rat-hole miner who saved 41 from collapsed Uttarkashi tunnel

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has demolished the home of a rat-hole miner, Wakeel Hassan, who played a pivotal role in rescuing 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi's Silkyara tunnel last year in November. The DDA claims that the demolition was carried out as part of planned development in the Khajoori Khas village. Several other houses in the area were also demolished during the drive.

In response to inquiries about the demolition drive, the DDA stated, "On February 28, a demolition drive was conducted by the DDA to remove encroachment from its acquired land in village Khajoori Khas. The land was part of planned development land."

Hassan, in a video shared online, expressed his disappointment as his family's residence was demolished without prior notice. He also mentioned that he had to visit a police station in connection with the incident. Munna Qureshi, another member of the rescue team, who was present in the video, claimed that they were beaten up by the police.


A Delhi Police officer confirmed that several illegally constructed structures were demolished during the drive, and the police provided assistance in maintaining law and order.

Hassan and five other members of the rat-hole mining team reside in Khajoori Khas, while the rest are from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. Their specialized mining techniques were instrumental in successfully clearing the debris inside the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. The workers were trapped for approximately 17 days after a section of the tunnel collapsed on November 12 before they were finally rescued.

It is disheartening to see Hassan, who selflessly risked his life to save others, lose his home in this manner. The authorities and the government should have taken his request into consideration before demolishing his house. The situation highlights the need for better communication and support for those who contribute to society in extraordinary ways.

With agency inputs