It has been over two weeks since 41 workers were trapped in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi. The ongoing rescue efforts have garnered nationwide attention and prayers for their safety. However, amidst these efforts, some individuals are engaging in petty politics. Congress supporters are attempting to link the tunnel project with Adani, while certain social media users claim that the Indian government is lacking in various aspects to aid the stranded workers.
Communist Tanmoy wrote on X, ‘In July 2020, the Competition Commission of India under the Union Ministry of Finance gave its consent to the #AdaniPorts and Special Economic Zones to buy out a 75% stake in that port from Navayuga.
The remaining 25% was taken over in 2021.
Yes, Goutam Adani Own Navayuga.’
Congress supporter Ravinder Kapur wrote, ‘The tunnel that collapsed in uttrakhand with 41 people trapped inside is being built by Navayuga engineering Pvt Ltd a wholly owned subsidiary of Gautam Adani which he acquired in 2020.
Godi Media and the govt won’t show you this News.’
Advocate M. M Dheera tweeted, ‘41 laborers are trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel and the contract is with Navyug Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
I have been watching the show for the last 15 days. Everyone is jumping like monkeys, but no stonemason has the courage to say that Adani Seth had bought Navyug in 2020.’
In addition to asserting that the Adani Group owns Navayug Engineering, the entity overseeing the Silkyara Tunnel project in Uttarkashi, a user named Sandeep Maderna made a series of other claims in a set of tweets.
Sandeep Maderna wrote, ‘Rescue team has no expertise in Microtunneling. People (NHIDCL) making decisions are clueless about technology and have not invited such experts.
12. Workers could not be given any clothes so far. No DRDO/ISRO technology could provide any garment which could be sent inside.’
Sandeep Maderna in other tweet wrote, ‘Vertical drill was being done for 6 inch pipe only. It was stopped and now may be resumed for dont what because 6 inch wont rescue workers.’
In this article, we aim to fact-check the claims put forth by the alliance of Communists and Congress, along with those made by Sandeep Maderna. The objective is to debunk narratives that could potentially harm the morale of the families of the trapped workers. In critical situations like these, misinformation spreads rapidly and can cause more harm than any physical disaster.
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Fact Check
Our fact-checking process commences by investigating the assertion that Navayug Engineering is owned by the Adani Group. To trace the origins of this claim, we referred to the source where the misinformation initially surfaced. Unsurprisingly, The Wire, a consistent purveyor of fake news and promoter of communist narratives, published a story with the apparent agenda of holding Adani Group and PM Modi responsible for the tragic incident in Uttarkashi.
Was the Uttarkashi Tunnel Project affiliated with the Adani group?
The Wire wrote, ‘In July 2020, the Competition Commission of India under the Union Ministry of Finance gave its consent to the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones to buy out a 75% stake in that port from Navayuga. The remaining 25% was taken over in 2021.’
The Wire relies on a Hindu Business Line source that states Adani Ports acquired full control of Krishnapatnam port, originally constructed by Navayug Engineering. Further investigation on Wikipedia reveals that Krishnapatnam port was initially owned by the Andhra Pradesh state government, operated by CVR Group, and inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi in 2008. Navyug Engineering is a flagship company of the CVR Group, founded and led by Visweswara Rao, the chairman and managing director.
Contrary to the claims of the communist-congress alliance, it’s evident that Adani Group doesn’t own Navayug Engineering. Adani completed a full takeover by acquiring a 25% stake in Krishnapatnam port from Navyug Engineering, which was also a promoter of the port.
Moreover, individuals associated with communist ideologies have asserted that the Adani Group owns Navayuga Engineering, the company involved in the construction of the Silkyara Tunnel project. However, in-depth research reveals that in 2020, Adani Enterprises collaborated with Navayuga Engineering for six projects, specifically the Vijayawada Bypass project. It’s crucial to clarify that this collaboration was limited to six projects and nothing more.
The controversy fueled by the communists extended to the point where it reached the Adani group, prompting the group to release a statement denouncing the malicious attempt to connect them to the tunnel mishap. The press note read, ‘We clarify with utmost emphasis that the Adani Group or any of its subsidiaries has no direct or indirect involvement of any kind in the tunnel’s construction. We also clarify that we do not own or hold any shares in the company involved in the tunnel’s construction. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with the trapped workers and their families.
This misinformation propagated by the leftists and their associates reflects a regrettable lack of decency. Exploiting the tragedy of 41 families hanging in uncertainty, these political figures prioritize their agenda over empathy and compassion, a shameful act during such a critical time.
Is the government being negligent in the tunnel rescue operations?
Sandeep Maderna claimed on Twitter that migrant workers trapped in the collapsed tunnel haven’t received any clothing.
ANI reported on 22 November, ‘The workers have received food, clothes and other items. Hopefully, they will be rescued by the morning tomorrow. The doctors also had a conversation with the trapped workers.’
Interestingly, the source of this information is the family member of the worker trapped inside the tunnel.
Maderna who calls himself an engineer claimed, ‘‘Rescue team has no expertise in Microtunneling. People (NHIDCL) making decisions are clueless about technology and have not invited such experts.”
According to the Times of India, ‘Multiple agencies are actively participating in the ongoing rescue mission. These include the Uttarakhand administration, SDRF, NDRF, MoRTH, NHIDCL, NHAI, and BRO. They collectively provide fresh air, oxygen, water, electricity, and small packed food through pipes. Moreover, international experts Arnold Dix from the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association, Geneva, and micro-tunneling expert Chris Cooper from Australia are also contributing to the efforts.”
Another claim made by Sandeep Maderna,‘Vertical drill was being done for 6 inch pipe only. It was stopped and now may be resumed for dont what because 6 inch wont rescue workers.’
According to the PIB press release, ‘Vertical Drilling (1 m dia) for Rescue by SJVNL‘
‘Vertical Drilling (8 inches dia) by RVNL at Silkyara end.‘
‘Vertical Drilling (24 inches dia) Toward Barkot End by ONGC‘
Reportedly, the vertical drilling is done through three ends. One at 1 meter in diameter and other at 8 inches and one other at 24 inches in diameter.
Therefore, Sandeep Maderna’s three claims have been found to be misleading and possess the potential to demotivate and discourage the families and well-wishers of the trapped workers. Such practices of spreading misinformation should be condemned.
In conclusion, our fact-check has verified that Adani Group does not own Navyug Engineering, and the government and other agencies are employing every possible method to rescue the workers. It’s regrettable that individuals with a leftist mindset are exploiting the plight of the workers to sensationalize the issue.
Our sincere hope is that the workers witness the light of a new day and reunite with their loved ones at the earliest. We extend our wishes for their health and resilience.
| Claim | Adani owns Navyug Engineering and there is no micro tunnel expert available at the Silkyara Tunnel rescue site. |
| Claimed by | Ravinder Kapur, Tanmoy and Sandeep Maderna. |
| Fact Check | Misleading. |
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