Workers feared trapped as Chamoli under-construction tunnel collapses due to surge in water level; rescue ops on
Workers Feared Trapped as Chamoli Tunnel Collapse Triggers Major Rescue Operation
Indiadailyupdate.com – Workers feared trapped as Chamoli under-construction tunnel collapsed on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting an immediate emergency response. The incident occurred at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project site located in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. According to ANI news agency, at least 16 workers have been successfully rescued from the debris-filled tunnel. Among those rescued, five sustained injuries, with two of them described as being in "relatively serious condition and are being stabilised," according to Chief Medical Officer Rajiv Singh Pal.
Reports indicate that additional workers may still be trapped inside the tunnel, raising concerns among rescue teams. The collapse was triggered by a sudden surge of water caused by heavy rainfall in the region. This tunnel is part of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, a significant infrastructure development in Uttarakhand. Emergency teams are currently working around the clock to safely evacuate the remaining workers trapped inside the tunnel before water levels rise further.
Rescue Teams Mobilized as Situation Remains Critical
The situation remains critical due to a sudden and heavy inflow of water into the tunnel system. "Additional ambulances have been dispatched to the site. Police and administrative teams have arrived at the location," said Surjeet Singh Pawar, Chamoli Superintendent of Police. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has personally directed officials to carry out rescue operations on war footing, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been rapidly deployed to the tunnel site. These specialized teams are equipped with advanced detection equipment and rescue tools to locate and extract trapped workers. The coordinated effort involves multiple agencies working in unison to ensure maximum safety for both victims and rescue personnel.
This incident comes less than a month after a tragic tunnel collapse in Sikkim, where 25 workers lost their lives following a methane gas explosion. That under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) was part of NHPC's Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project. "The rescue operation at the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim has been concluded with the recovery of bodies of all the 25 personnel trapped inside the tunnel," stated the state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
Project Details and Regional Impact
The Chamoli tunnel serves a crucial function in the region's hydroelectric infrastructure. This tunnel was built to carry water from the Teesta River to a hydropower plant's turbines, playing a vital role in generating clean energy for the region. The sudden collapse has not only affected the workers but also raised questions about construction safety protocols in mountainous regions prone to heavy rainfall and geological instability.
Local residents and workers' families have expressed deep concern as rescue operations continue. The area has experienced consistent rainfall over the past few days, contributing to the water surge that caused the tunnel collapse. Authorities have set up a control room to monitor the situation and coordinate rescue efforts effectively.
"We are exploring all possible avenues to rescue the trapped workers. The priority is to ensure their safe extraction while maintaining the structural integrity of the tunnel," said a senior official involved in the rescue operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many workers were initially reported trapped in the Chamoli tunnel? At least 16 workers were successfully rescued, with reports suggesting additional workers may still be trapped inside the tunnel following the collapse.
What caused the tunnel collapse in Chamoli? The collapse was triggered by a sudden surge of water caused by heavy rainfall in the region, affecting the under-construction tunnel at the THDC project site.
Which rescue teams have been deployed? NDRF and SDRF teams have been dispatched to the tunnel site, along with additional ambulances and administrative teams from the local area.
Is this related to the Sikkim tunnel collapse? While both incidents involved under-construction tunnels, they are separate events. The Sikkim collapse occurred at NHPC's Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project and involved a methane gas explosion.
What is the current status of the rescue operation? Rescue operations are ongoing on war footing, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directing officials to prioritize the safe evacuation of all trapped workers.