Rescue Operations Underway for Workers Trapped in Uttarakhand Landslide

Landslide Traps Workers at Dhauliganga Power Project

On Sunday, eleven employees of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation found themselves trapped within the Dhauliganga Power Project located in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall. This incident blocked both the regular and emergency tunnels of the facility.

The landslide initially trapped 19 individuals, but eight were successfully rescued. The path to the tunnels in the Ealagarh region near Dharchula was obstructed, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

Pithoragarh District Magistrate Vinod Goswami reported that debris removal commenced right after the landslide. He stated, “The operation to rescue the remaining 11 individuals is currently in progress,” as quoted by local news sources.

Goswami assured that the situation was being managed effectively. Earlier, Deputy District Magistrate Jitendra Verma confirmed that bulldozers had been dispatched to clear the rubble, noting that power generation at the project remained uninterrupted.

In recent weeks, heavy rains and multiple cloudbursts have led to flash floods and landslides across various districts in Uttarakhand, resulting in fatalities and numerous individuals reported missing.

On Monday, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, and Tehri Garhwal districts.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami indicated that several districts were under red alert while others were on orange alert, emphasizing the importance of vigilance over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Dhami mentioned that personnel from district administrations, the National Disaster Response Force, and the State Disaster Response Force were on standby. He added, “We are providing immediate support to those whose homes have been impacted by the disaster and relocating them to safer areas. Relief camps have been established to ensure that all essential needs are met.”

Efforts to restore access to blocked roads are also underway.