Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], February 28: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the State Disaster Control Room on Friday to review the ongoing rescue efforts for workers trapped under snow following a massive avalanche in Mana village, Chamoli district. The avalanche struck earlier in the day, leaving 57 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) trapped.
As of Friday, 16 workers have been rescued, with efforts underway to free the remaining 41. The workers were engaged in road construction activities in the border area of Mana, near Badrinath. The BRO, which is part of the Indian Armed Forces, is a key player in road construction operations in the region.
CM Dhami stated that rescue operations were being carried out by personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and BRO. The situation has been complicated by ongoing snowfall and rain, making rescue efforts challenging.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his concern, posting on X: “An unfortunate avalanche has occurred in the Mana area of Joshimath (Uttarakhand) today impacting the GREF camp of BRO. Spoke to CM Shri @pushkardhami regarding the situation. The administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected. Rescue efforts by local Army units are also underway.”
In a video message, Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari explained that teams from the Indian Army, ITBP, and the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) had been mobilised for the rescue operation. However, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, have made it difficult to deploy helicopters for aerial support.
The SDRF has dispatched a team from Joshimath, but due to road blockages in Lambagad, they are working to clear the route with the help of the Army. Another team is on standby at Sahasradhara helipad, prepared to be deployed once weather conditions improve.
SDRF Inspector General of Police Ridhim Agarwal stated, “The second team has been kept on alert at Sahasradhara helipad. Exact coordinates of the area have been obtained. As soon as the weather conditions improve, the high-altitude rescue team of SDRF will be dropped by helicopter at the nearest available place.”
Earlier in the day, CM Dhami shared his condolences on social media, writing, “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.”
Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly in harsh conditions, hoping to bring the trapped workers to safety.