As rescue teams race against time to save 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel, the government has asked TV channels to refrain from sensationalising the issue.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) on Tuesday asked television channels to avoid capturing any live posts or videos from close to the tunnel site where rescue operations are underway and to make sure that rescue operations are not affected by the presence of camera persons or reporters.

“It is also advised to be cautious and sensitive while reporting on the matter, especially in putting out headlines, videos, and images,” the Ministry said in an advisory.

“Telecast of video footages 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,” the advisory said.

A major breakthrough came on Tuesday morning as the first video footage of the trapped labourers was released. The visuals were captured using an endoscopic camera sent in through the alternative six-inch food pipeline.