Chamoli tunnel incident: 16 of 22 trapped workers rescued, rescue operations continue

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. File pic

Upon receiving news late Thursday night of an incident involving the accumulation of debris and water in a THDC tunnel under construction at Mayapur (Pipalkoti) in Chamoli district, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami immediately arrived at the State Disaster Operations Centre in Dehradun.

Taking personal command of the entire relief and rescue operation from there, he directed officials to conduct the mission on a war footing. From the Disaster Operations Centre, the Chief Minister interacted directly with the rescued workers through video conferencing to inquire about their well‑being and boost their morale. He assured them that the state government stands firmly with them and that proper arrangements would be made for their medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Dhami maintained constant contact with senior officials from the Chamoli district administration, the SDRF, the NDRF, the ITBP, the Army, and other relevant agencies. He issued necessary directives while staying updated on the situation minute by minute. He gave clear instructions that rescuing every person trapped in the tunnel safely was the top priority and that no laxity in the rescue operations would be tolerated.

According to the latest information, 22 individuals were reported trapped in the tunnel. Of these, 16 have been safely rescued, while efforts to bring the remaining workers out continue.

The Chief Minister spoke to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar over the phone to obtain detailed information about the relief and rescue efforts and instructed him to ensure all necessary arrangements were made immediately. He also spoke to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, directing that the best possible medical facilities be provided to the injured without any shortcomings. He further instructed that critically injured persons be referred to AIIMS or other advanced medical institutions via helicopter service if required.

CM Dhami said that the state government is keeping a close watch on the entire situation and that the relief and rescue operation will continue with full force and coordination until everyone is safely brought out.

District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar is personally present at the incident site, overseeing the rescue operation. Teams from the district administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, ITBP, the Army and other concerned agencies are jointly engaged in the rescue work on a war footing. The administration has also immediately made the necessary resources, machinery, and medical facilities available on site to support the ongoing efforts.

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman and all other concerned officials were present at the meeting.

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