The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday issued an advisory to television channels to refrain from sensationalising the ongoing rescue operation underway at Silkyara in Uttarakhand and from undertaking any live posts or videos from close proximity of the tunnel site.
Also, it advised the TV channels to ensure that the human life-saving activities by various agencies are in no way disrupted or disturbed by the very presence of cameramen, reporters or equipment near or around the site of the operation. The ministry said the government is maintaining constant communication and making all efforts to keep up the morale of the workers trapped in the two-km-built tunnel portion.
“Various government agencies are working tirelessly for the safe evacuation of 41 workers. The operation underway around the tunnel is of an extremely sensitive nature involving saving so many lives. Telecast of video footage and other pictures relating to the operations by the TV channelsespecially by placing cameras and other equipment at close proximity to the rescue operations site has the potential to adversely affect the ongoing operations,” the ministry said.
Further, the ministry has advised all TV channels 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 the operation, psychological status of the family members and as well as the viewers in general.