Chamoli Tunnel Rescue Operation Resume, Two Workers Still Missing

On Sunday, the fourth day after the disaster in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, search operations to find the two missing workers resumed. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered to understand the cause and nature of the tragedy, sources said.

As per sources, since the accident on August 13, rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, police and other agencies have been making all-out efforts to find the missing workers.

As a result of the landslide that occurred on Thursday night, the under-construction THDC India Limited tunnel at Pipalkoti was flooded with water and debris. In the accident, eight people lost their lives, while two others went missing. Twelve other injured workers were rescued from the tunnel and shifted to the hospital.

Rescue Teams Search For Missing Workers

Sources said that the missing workers are Chetan Poyam of Chhattisgarh and Lucas Topno of Jharkhand. According to officials, the tunnel is still inundated, and water is constantly being pumped out to lower the water level and allow rescue personnel to reach the affected areas. Additionally, efforts are being made to remove large obstacles and machinery that are trapped inside the tunnel.

Rescue teams are examining every potential location, including tiny cracks among the debris, while modern technology and equipment are being deployed to remove obstacles and debris, according to officials.

Magisterial Inquiry Ordered Into Tragedy

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to look into the circumstances and causes of the tragedy, according to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar.

Based on the results of the investigation, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the regulations, he stated. On Sunday, Madan Kaushik, the State Minister of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Gopeshwar.

A two-minute silence and a tribute to the workers who died in the disaster marked the beginning of the conference.

Additionally, Kaushik met with the workers affected by the accident, listened to their complaints, and assured them that their problems would be resolved. He instructed officials to provide all possible assistance to those affected.