Uttarakhand avalanche: Over 40 BRO workers trapped in Chamoli

At least 42 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers were feared trapped after an avalanche struck near Mana pass area in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, officials said.

So far, 15 workers have been rescued, said officials. Mana Pass area is around 52 km north of Badrinath Dham and over 310km from Dehradun.

Inspector General of Police, SDRF, Ridhim Aggarwal said that a total of 57 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were affected by the avalanche near Mana village in Chamoli district. Of the 57 affected, 15 workers have been rescued so far, while 42 remain missing.

“An SDRF team has already dispatched from Joshimath. Due to road blockage at Lambagad, coordination with the Army is underway to clear the route. A high altitude team has been placed on alert at Sahastradhara helipad. The exact coordinates of the affected site have been obtained, and as soon as weather conditions improve, the SDRF high-altitude rescue team will be airlifted to the nearest accessible location,” the IG said.

SDRF Uttarakhand Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said, “We have dispatched our team from Jyotirmath (formerly Joshimath) to the affected site. Additionally, our high-altitude teams at Gauchar (Chamoli) and Sahastradhara (Dehradun) have been placed on standby. If required, they will be sent to the affected site via helicopters”.

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Colonel Ankur Mahajan, Commander of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), said, “We received information around 8am that an avalanche had struck the Mana area. Some workers employed by a contractor were engaged in road construction. We do not have the exact headcount at this time. 12 people have been rescued, some of whom have sustained injuries, but the extent of their injuries is unclear. They are currently receiving treatment.”

“The affected area is inaccessible, with no mobile or radio connectivity. The road before Hanuman Chatti is blocked, and we are working to clear it. Our teams are making every effort to reach the site,” he added.

Reacting to the development, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Sad news received about many workers being buried under snow avalanche during construction work being conducted by BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being conducted by ITBP, BRO and other rescue teams. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the labour brothers”.