Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Seven workers died following a major landslide inside the under-construction Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydropower project tunnel of THDC in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday evening. Two of the deceased, identified as Vijay Kumar and Jitendra Kumar, were from Jharkhand.
The incident occurred around 7 pm when a sudden landslide caused a large quantity of water and debris to enter the tunnel, trapping several workers inside. Rescue operations continued throughout the night amid difficulties caused by the heavy debris.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed the state’s Labour Department and migrant control room to step up coordination and provide verified information to the families of affected workers. The state has also initiated steps for the transportation of the deceased worker’s body and for extending eligible compensation, insurance and other statutory benefits to the bereaved family.
The company has reportedly provided immediate financial assistance to the family of the deceased worker for the last rites.
According to officials, 21 workers have so far been rescued, of whom seven have died. The remaining 14 injured workers are undergoing treatment at the District Hospital in Gopeshwar. Their injuries range from minor to serious.
Among the Jharkhand workers undergoing treatment are Habil Gudia (27) and Nistar Bhigra (24) from Khunti, Vinod Rawan (46) from Gumla, Dina Begra (26) from Khunti and Khela Ram Bisra (22) from East Singhbhum.
There are fears that some workers may still be trapped inside the Tail Race Tunnel (TRT). Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach the affected section and evacuate those still inside.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over the phone and sought details of the accident and rescue operation. Soren also assured that necessary assistance would be extended to the families of the affected Jharkhand workers. A helpline has been issued to assist the families.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami is personally monitoring the rescue operation. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies have been deployed at the site.
Authorities have mobilised all available resources to locate and safely evacuate workers who may still be trapped inside the tunnel. Rescue operations are continuing on a war footing.
