Several trapped after hydro tunnel collapses in Uttarakhand's Chamoli, 16 rescued

At least 10 workers were trapped after water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel at a hydropower project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday, triggering a major rescue operation. The incident occurred at the Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project of THDC India Limited, where sudden water ingress accompanied by debris blocked a section of the tunnel. Rescue teams were rushed to the site and efforts were underway to reach the trapped workers.

Water enters tunnel

According to initial reports, water and debris suddenly entered the tunnel while workers were carrying out construction-related activities inside. The incident is believed to have followed a landslide in the area, which resulted in debris entering the tunnel and cutting off the workers’ exit route. Officials immediately began an evacuation and rescue operation. Several workers who were inside the tunnel were brought out safely, while efforts continued to establish the exact number and location of those still trapped.

The situation remained fluid, with authorities focusing on clearing the accumulated debris and water to create safe access for rescue personnel.

Rescue teams deployed

District administration officials, police and specialised rescue personnel were deployed at the project site following the incident. Heavy machinery was being used to remove debris from the tunnel as rescuers attempted to reach those stranded inside. The difficult conditions within the tunnel, including accumulated water and mud, were complicating the operation. Initial reports indicated that 10 workers had been rescued, while others remained trapped.

Officials were also working to maintain communication and assess conditions inside the tunnel as the rescue operation progressed.

Dhami monitors operation

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was receiving information about the incident and that rescue operations were being carried out on a priority basis. The Chief Minister said the administration and rescue agencies had been instructed to make every possible effort to safely evacuate the trapped workers. Authorities were also assessing whether continuing rainfall and unstable terrain posed additional risks to the rescue operation.

Hydropower project site

The accident occurred at the Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project, a major hydropower development in Chamoli district being implemented by THDC India Limited. The project involves extensive underground construction, including tunnels designed to channel water for electricity generation. Thursday’s incident has again highlighted the risks associated with major infrastructure construction in Uttarakhand’s fragile Himalayan terrain, particularly during periods of intense monsoon rainfall. Chamoli has experienced repeated episodes of flash floods, landslides and other extreme weather-related disasters in recent years.

District hit by heavy rain

The latest tunnel emergency comes amid difficult weather conditions in parts of Uttarakhand. Chamoli district has witnessed heavy rainfall and flooding in recent days, with swollen rivers and landslides affecting infrastructure and connectivity in several areas.

Earlier this week, a bridge in the Niti Valley area was swept away following a sudden surge in water, underscoring the severity of conditions in the district. The immediate priority on Thursday night, however, remained reaching the workers trapped inside the tunnel. Rescue operations were continuing, and authorities were expected to provide further details as teams advanced through the debris.