India
oi-Swastika Sruti
In one of a major accident, an under construction tunnel in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand was attacked by a sudden floe of water and debris inside the structure, trapping more than 20 workers inside.
An under-construction tunnel in Pipalkoti, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, flooded with water and debris, trapping over 20 workers; 16 have been rescued as CM Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered intensified rescue operations.
The tragic incident occurred in Pipalkoti area, where the tunnel is being constructed by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), a subsidiary of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC).
Soon after receiving information about the accident, the local administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other rescue agencies reached the site and began efforts to evacuate the trapped workers.
#WATCH | Chamoli, Uttarakhand: Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Pawar says, “At approximately 6:30 to 6:45 PM, debris and water burst out from a cavity at the 1.8-kilometer mark of the tunnel being constructed for the hydropower project in Pipalkoti. Workers present at the… https://t.co/B5K0Rglihy pic.twitter.com/ZnGo8v2vjh
— ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2026
16 Workers Rescued So Far
16 workers from the location have been reduced from the tunnel and is being taken to the District Hospital in Gopshwar for medical examination and treatment, Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said.
Officials are focusing on clearing the affected section and creating safe access for the rescue teams while taking precautions because of the presence of water and debris inside the tunnel.
#WATCH | Chamoli, Uttarakhand: Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar says, “This is a tunnel under construction for a hydropower project belonging to THDC. Around 6:30 or 6:45 PM, a large volume of debris and water surged into the tunnel. Workers from the shift on duty got… https://t.co/B5K0Rglihy pic.twitter.com/71S521f6M0
— ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2026
NDRF, SDRF Teams Deployed
The seriousness of the situation prompted the deployment of both NDRF and SDRF personnel.
The district administration and disaster response teams are working together to evacuate the remaining workers. Officials are also coordinating with other agencies involved in the tunnel project.
The exact reason for the sudden entry of water and debris into the tunnel is yet to be established.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Orders Rescue on ‘War Footing’
On the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern over the incident and asked the officials to intensify the team.
Dhami asked the district administration and all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination and ensure that there is no delay in reaching those still trapped.
‘Top Priority Is to Rescue Every Person Trapped’
Dhami made it clear that the immediate priority was to safely evacuate every worker inside the tunnel.
He directed officials to deploy all necessary resources and ensure that no negligence or delay affected the rescue operation.
Expressing concern for the workers and their families, Dhami said, “I pray to God for the safety of all the people.” He added that the state government was closely monitoring the situation and that all possible steps were being taken.
