Stop Sensationalizing Tunnel Rescue Ops, Centre’s Advisory to TV Channels

New Delhi: The Central Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday advised all private TV channels to refrain from sensationalizing the incident of 41 workers trapped inside Uttarakhand’s Silkyara-Barkot tunnel.

These workers are stranded in the channel since portions of the tunnel collapsed following a landslide on November 12.

“Attention is invited to the rescue operations underway at the Silkyara, Uttarakhand for safely rescuing 41 workers who are trapped inside a tunnel. The operation underway around the tunnel is of an extremely sensitive nature,” the advisory stated.

“Television channels are advised to refrain from sensationalizing the issue and from undertaking any live posts/videos from close proximity of the tunnel site where the rescue operations are underway, and ensure that the human life-saving activity by the various agencies is in no way disrupted or disturbed by the very presence of cameramen, reporters or equipment near or around the operations site,’’ it said.

The ministry also asked the media 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 and as well as the viewers in general.