Uttarkashi tunnel rescue op: Centre issues advisory to TV channel, asks to be sensitive in reportage
PTC News Desk: The government issued an advisory to private television channels on Tuesday, requesting that they refrain from sensationalising coverage of the rescue operations at Silkyara, Uttarakhand, where 41 workers have been trapped inside a tunnel for ten days.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also advised private television channels to be cautious in their reporting, particularly when releasing headlines and videos of the rescue operations, due to the psychological state of the trapped workers' families.
"Telecast of video footage and other pictures relating to the operations by the TV channels especially by placing cameras and other equipment in close proximity of the rescue operations site have the potential to adversely affect the ongoing operations," according to the notice.
It also advised the channels to avoid sensationalizing the situation and from carrying out any live posts or videos from close proximity to the tunnel site where rescue operations are taking place.
The advisory also asked news outlets to ensure that the presence of cameramen, reporters, or equipment near or around the operations site did not disrupt or disturb the various agencies' efforts to save lives.
"It is also advised to be cautious and sensitive while reporting on the matter, especially in putting out headlines, videos & 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," the advisory further stated.
- With inputs from agencies
