- विज्ञापन -
Chamoli (Uttarakhand): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Friday that 16 out of 57 road construction workers trapped in an avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district have been rescued, and efforts are ongoing to save the remaining individuals.
“Of the 57 BRO (Border Roads Organisation) workers caught in the avalanche, 16 have been rescued. We are fully prepared and are receiving assistance from the ITBP. The district administration and other agencies are coordinating to ensure all are rescued as quickly as possible,” Chief Minister Dhami informed reporters.
Rescue operations are being carried out by personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the BRO. In a video message, Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated that the Indian Army, ITBP, and state disaster relief force have been deployed for the operation.
“We have received reports of an avalanche. Approximately 57 BRO laborers, who were engaged in snow-clearing activities, were camping in the area. Our teams, including the ITBP, SDRF, and local administration, are on the ground. However, ongoing rain and snowfall are hindering our ability to deploy helicopters, making movement challenging,” the Chamoli DM explained.
He added that there have been no confirmed reports of casualties so far. “Due to a lack of satellite phones and similar equipment, we have not been able to establish clear communication with the workers. However, we have not received any official reports of casualties. We are receiving full support from higher authorities and hope to rescue them safely,” he said.
Inspector General of Police for the State Disaster Response Force, Ridhim Agarwal, confirmed that all 57 BRO workers were affected by the avalanche near Mana village. He mentioned that a SDRF team has departed from Joshimath, but road blockages in Lambagad are complicating the situation, and efforts are underway to clear the route with the Army’s assistance.
“A second team is on standby at the Sahasradhara helipad. We have obtained the exact coordinates of the area, and as soon as the weather improves, a high-altitude rescue team from SDRF will be deployed by helicopter to the nearest accessible location,” Agarwal stated.
Additionally, the SDRF and district administration are collaborating with BRO and Army personnel. “The SDRF drone team is also on standby, but drone operations are currently unfeasible due to heavy snowfall,” he noted.
BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena reported that heavy snowfall is hampering rescue efforts, making it difficult for the teams to reach the site. “Three to four ambulances have been dispatched, but they are also facing challenges due to the snow,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Dhami expressed his concern on X, stating, “We received sad news about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during construction work by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted by ITBP, BRO, and other teams. I pray for the safety of all the laborers.”
