Ranchi, Feb 28: Several workers from Jharkhand are feared to be among those trapped under an avalanche that buried a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, an official confirmed.
The exact number of affected workers from Jharkhand remains uncertain. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren acknowledged the reports, stating, “There have been reports of several workers working under BRO in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district being trapped under a broken glacier.”
The labourers were engaged in clearing snow near the high-altitude border village of Mana when the avalanche struck their camp between Mana and Badrinath. Rescue and relief efforts are currently being undertaken by BRO, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and other agencies.
Soren expressed concern and offered prayers for the safety of the trapped workers. "According to information, relief and rescue operations are being carried out by BRO, ITBP, and others. I pray for the safety of all workers from Marang Buru (supreme tribal deity) who have been affected by this incident," he posted on X.
When contacted, Jharkhand's State Labour Commissioner, Sanjeev Besra, stated that he was not in a position to comment on the situation at present.
A total of 41 BRO workers are still trapped under the avalanche, while 16 have been rescued. The avalanche initially buried 57 individuals in the region.
Mana, located just three kilometres from Badrinath, is the last village on the India-Tibet border, situated at an altitude of 3,200 metres. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to bring out those still buried under the snow.
