A tunnel under construction for the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district collapsed on Thursday. Several workers feared to be trapped inside the tunnel.
The incident took place in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli. According to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, around 18 workers were inside the tunnel when the incident occurred.
Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the site and began efforts to reach the workers trapped inside.
So far, eight workers have been successfully rescued, while the rescue operation is continuing to locate and evacuate those who may still be trapped.
The collapsed tunnel is part of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project being developed by THDC India. The project is located
along the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he spoke with some of the injured people who are admitted to the hospital in Pipalkoti, added their condition is currently stable. “I have also informed the Chief Ministers of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh that some people from their states have been injured here and are receiving treatment. I have provided them with all the relevant information… The District Magistrate and SDRF teams are also maintaining continuous contact, while officials from the Health Department are regularly communicating with them and monitoring the situation,” the CM said.
Initial reports indicate that a landslide inside the under-construction tunnel led to the collapse, trapping workers inside.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as rescue personnel work to clear the debris and reach the remaining workers.
