Chamoli (Uttarakhand), February 28: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed on Friday that 16 out of the 57 workers trapped in an avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district had been rescued, with ongoing efforts to save the remaining 41 workers.
The workers, part of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), were trapped while performing snow-clearing operations in the area. Chief Minister Dhami assured that rescue operations were underway with help from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and BRO, as well as the district administration. “57 of the BRO workers were trapped in the avalanche, out of which 16 workers have been rescued. All preparations have been made, and we are taking help from the ITBP. The district administration and all others are in touch, and we are trying to rescue all as soon as possible,” CM Dhami said.
Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari, in a video message, stated that personnel from the ITBP, Indian Army, and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) had been mobilized for the rescue operation. However, due to active rainfall and snowfall in the region, heli-services have not been deployed, and road access is challenging. “Since satellite phones and other communication equipment are not available there, we have not been able to have clear communication with them, but we have not received any reports of casualties,” Tiwari added.
SDRF Inspector General Ridhim Agarwal confirmed that 57 BRO workers were affected by the avalanche. Due to road blockages in Lambagad, SDRF teams were working to clear routes with the Army’s assistance. Additionally, a helicopter team has been kept on standby for high-altitude rescue operations once weather conditions improve. “The SDRF drone team has also been kept in readiness. Due to heavy snowfall, drone operations are not possible at the moment,” Agarwal said.
BRO Executive Engineer CR Meena reported that heavy snowfall was hampering rescue efforts, and emergency medical teams had been dispatched, though the weather was causing delays in reaching the site.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dhami expressed his distress over the avalanche, writing on X, “Sad news was received about many workers being trapped under an avalanche during the construction work being carried out by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by ITBP, BRO and other rescue teams. I pray for the safety of all the labour brothers.”