CHAMOLI, UTTARAKHAND, A tragic incident struck the Himalayan district of Chamoli after heavy rainfall triggered a sudden surge of water and muddy debris into an under construction hydropower tunnel. The accident took place at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) project site near Pipalkoti trapping around 22 construction workers deep underground.
Emergency rescue operations were launched immediately on a war footing. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Indian Army rushed to the spot. Rescuers used heavy machinery, water pumps, and boats to clear thick mud and drain floodwaters from the tunnel. Official reports confirm that seven workers lost their lives, while 14 others were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the disaster site to review rescue efforts. He assured the public that saving every worker remains the government top priority. This unfortunate accident highlights the serious environmental safety risks associated with building mega infrastructure projects in fragile mountain zones. As rescue teams work tirelessly, questions are being raised about safety standards and the real cost of human lives behind rapid development in ecologically sensitive regions.
