Chamoli Tunnel Tragedy: 16 Workers Rescued, Operations Continue

A disaster struck the under‑construction THDC tunnel in Chamoli on the night of August 12, when a sudden influx of water and debris trapped workers inside. Chief Minister Pukar Singh Dhami promptly travelled to the state disaster operations centre in Dehradun, taking personal command of the rescue mission.

The CM instructed officials to run the operation at a war‑level intensity, leaving no room for complacency. Using video‑conferencing technology, he spoke directly with rescued labourers, monitoring their condition and assuring them of comprehensive medical support and rehabilitation.

Through continuous liaison with the district administration of Chamoli, the State and National Disaster Response Forces, the ITBP, the army and other agencies, the chief minister issued real‑time orders. His top directive was the safe extraction of every individual still trapped inside the tunnel.

Authorities report that 22 workers were present when the collapse occurred. Sixteen have been successfully rescued, while rescue crews persist in searching for the remaining six.

The chief minister also consulted with District Commissioner Gaurav Kumar to review relief measures and directed the Deputy Chief Medical Officer to guarantee immediate and high‑quality medical attention for the injured, including helicopter evacuation to AIIMS or comparable facilities if needed.

The CM reiterated that the state will monitor the incident around the clock and will maintain the rescue drive with full coordination until all trapped persons are evacuated safely.