Dehradun, February 28: Thirty-two out of the 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped under an avalanche in Mana village, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, have been rescued. However, concerns are mounting over the safety of the remaining 25 workers as rescue operations were temporarily halted due to worsening weather conditions.
Avalanche Buries BRO Camp in Mana
The avalanche struck early Friday morning, burying a BRO camp situated between Mana and Badrinath under deep snow. Rescue teams braved extreme cold and treacherous terrain to reach the site, initially rescuing 10 workers before pulling out 22 more.Among the rescued, four are reported to be in critical condition. All 32 workers have been shifted to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp in Mana for medical care.
Mana, located at an altitude of 3,200 meters, is the last Indian village near the India-Tibet border, situated about three kilometers from Badrinath.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Adverse Conditions
Rescue teams from the Army, ITBP, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to the site, battling snowfall, freezing temperatures, and challenging terrain. However, due to the risk of further avalanches, operations were halted temporarily.The avalanche struck around 7:15 AM, trapping workers inside eight containers and one shed. The Army's Ibex Brigade, a specialized high-altitude rescue team, was immediately mobilized, deploying over 100 personnel, including doctors and ambulances.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that the situation remains critical, with containers buried under six to seven feet of snow.
Government and Army Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that rescuing the trapped workers is a top priority. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he said he has been in contact with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the heads of ITBP and NDRF.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also addressed the incident, stating that all resources are being utilized to ensure the safe rescue of those trapped.
NDRF and SDRF Deploy Teams
NDRF Director General Piyush Anand confirmed that four teams have been dispatched to Chamoli, with another four units on standby. Two teams were sent from Dehradun’s regional response center, while two others were diverted from Joshimath, 50 kilometers from Mana.Despite these efforts, ongoing snowfall and the onset of darkness have made the rescue mission increasingly difficult.
Challenges in the Region
Chamoli’s disaster management officer NK Joshi said that while the Army and ITBP teams stationed in Mana have been engaged in rescue operations since morning, teams arriving from outside are facing delays due to the weather.Locals in Mana stated that the area is known for its high avalanche risk during winter, and the BRO camp is usually closed during this period. “This time, due to lower snowfall earlier, the camp remained open, leading to this tragic incident,” said Mana village head Pitambar Singh.
Warnings Were Issued Prior to Avalanche
Officials had been on high alert regarding adverse weather conditions. The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) in Chandigarh had issued an avalanche warning on Thursday at 5 PM for regions above 2,400 meters in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar districts.Similarly, the Meteorological Department (MeT) in Dehradun had predicted heavy snowfall in areas above 3,500 meters, prompting the State Emergency Operations Centre to alert district administrations.
Rescue Mission Led by Army and ITBP
Brigade Commander Mandeep Dhillon outlined the rescue efforts, confirming that seven officers, 17 JCOs, and 150 personnel have been working since 8 AM under extreme conditions.“A specialized medical team comprising three doctors, four ambulances, and an engineering team is also on-site to assist with rescue efforts and clear the route between Mana and Joshimath,” he added.
Chief Minister’s Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that efforts are being made to rescue all workers safely and swiftly.“Received the sad news about several labourers getting trapped in an avalanche near Mana village during BRO construction work. Praying to Lord Badri Vishal for their safety,” he posted on X.
Workers from Jharkhand Among Those Trapped
An official confirmed that several workers from Jharkhand are among those feared trapped. However, the exact number remains unknown. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren also acknowledged the reports, stating that he is monitoring the situation.Looking Ahead
With 25 workers still trapped, the rescue mission remains a race against time. As conditions improve, efforts to reach the remaining workers will resume. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions to ensure the safety of the rescue teams.This tragedy highlights the unpredictability of the Himalayan terrain and the dangers faced by BRO personnel working in extreme conditions to maintain vital infrastructure.
Stay tuned for further updates as rescue operations continue in Uttarakhand’s avalanche-hit region.
