Uttarakhand Chamoli Tunnel Accident: A tunnel being built by THDC in Mayapur (Pipalkoti) of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand was suddenly filled with debris and water, due to which about 28 laborers were trapped inside. It is being told that this incident happened at around 6:30 pm. As soon as the news of the incident was received, a search and rescue operation was started immediately. According to the local MLA, 20 to 21 laborers were evacuated safely by 9:30 pm, while efforts were on to search and rescue the remaining people.
The injured have been sent to Gopeshwar district hospital for treatment; Of the five injured brought, the condition of two is said to be critical. Relief and rescue operations are underway. Teams of district administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, Army and other concerned agencies are present at the spot to rescue the people trapped inside the tunnel. Immediately after receiving the information, District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar reached the spot and himself started monitoring the relief and rescue operations.
A massive operation is being conducted on a war footing to reach the stranded people and rescue them safely. This accident happened in the tunnel being built for the 440 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Chamoli, where HCC Company is doing the construction work. Breaking – The under construction tunnel of THDC in Chamoli, Uttarakhand was filled with debris and water. According to Uttarakhand Police, around 23 people were trapped inside. Rescue relief operation started. So far 13 people have been rescued safely.
What did MLA Lakhpat Butola say?
Immediately after receiving information about the incident, Badrinath MLA Lakhpat Butola also reached the spot.
Giving information on this entire matter, he said that this incident is very unfortunate. Apart from this, he said that according to the information received from the company officials, about 28 employees were working here at around 6:30 pm. They got stuck due to sudden onset of mud. Although 20 to 21 of them have been rescued, seven or eight are still trapped. The entire administrative team and my colleagues are present here, and our priority is to provide continued support to the rescue operations. However, this accident raises a serious question, because a similar incident had happened here last year also. If despite all this such negligence occurs then I believe that this matter needs to be considered and investigated.
After reaching the Disaster Operation Centre, Dehradun, he took information about the progress of the rescue operation going on in the under construction tunnel of THDC located at Mayapur (Pipalkoti) and gave necessary directions to the officials. So far, out of 22 workers trapped in the tunnel, 16 workers have been rescued safely.
What did CM Dhami say?
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also expressed grief over this incident and informed about starting relief and rescue operations immediately. He wrote a post on social media platform Out of 22 workers trapped in the tunnel, 16 workers have been rescued safely so far. The rescue operation is continuing on a war footing to bring out the remaining workers safely. Talked to the rescued injured workers over phone to inquire about their well being and assured them of all possible assistance. Officials have been instructed to ensure their proper treatment and care.