At least three workers are feared trapped after water and debris suddenly entered an under-construction tunnel at a hydroelectric project site in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday evening. Rescue teams have already brought 16 workers to safety, while efforts continue to locate and evacuate those still believed to be inside.
The incident occurred at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project site in the Pipalkoti area of Chamoli. According to officials, water and debris entered the tunnel, trapping workers who were carrying out construction-related work inside.
The sudden incident triggered a large-scale rescue response involving the police, district administration, State Disaster Response Force and Central Industrial Security Force. Teams moved quickly to the site as authorities worked to assess the condition inside the tunnel and establish access to the trapped workers.
Water and Debris Enter Under-Construction Tunnel
The accident was reported at around 7 pm, when water and debris entered the tunnel at the hydroelectric project site. Initial information suggested that between 18 and 19 workers had become trapped inside.
The situation created an immediate emergency because workers inside the tunnel faced the risk of further water inflow and accumulating debris. Rescue personnel began operations soon after receiving information about the incident.
Officials later confirmed that 16 workers had been safely rescued. Three workers, however, were still feared trapped, prompting rescuers to continue their search and evacuation efforts.
The exact circumstances that led to the sudden entry of water and debris were still being assessed. The latest reports did not indicate any confirmed fatalities in the incident.
Rescue Operation Underway at THDC Project Site
Police, district officials and specialised rescue agencies have been working together at the site. The State Disaster Response Force and Central Industrial Security Force are among the agencies involved in the operation.
Rescuers face the difficult task of working inside a construction tunnel where debris and water have affected access. Teams must proceed carefully while trying to reach the workers believed to remain inside.
The successful evacuation of 16 workers has provided some relief, but authorities remain focused on locating the remaining three. The rescue operation was continuing late Thursday as officials monitored developments at the site.
18 to 19 Workers Were Initially Reported Trapped
The first reports from the site indicated that approximately 18 to 19 workers were inside the tunnel when the incident occurred.
As rescue teams reached the location, they began efforts to bring the workers out safely. The number of rescued workers increased as the operation progressed, eventually reaching 16.
The changing numbers reflect the rapid developments during the rescue operation. While initial reports focused on the larger group believed to be trapped, later updates from officials established that 16 workers had been brought out and three remained feared trapped.
Authorities have continued to treat the situation as an active rescue operation rather than declaring it over.
Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Project: What We Know
The incident took place at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project in Chamoli district. THDC India Limited is responsible for developing the project, which is designed as a 444 MW run-of-the-river hydropower scheme on the Alaknanda River.
Project documents describe major infrastructure including a 65-metre diversion dam, a 13.4-kilometre headrace tunnel, a 3-kilometre tailrace tunnel and an underground powerhouse.
The project is located in the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, where construction work can face additional challenges because of steep slopes, heavy rainfall and changing geological conditions.
The tunnel involved in Thursday’s incident was still under construction when water and debris entered it, according to officials and reports.
Monsoon Adds to Challenges in Mountainous Uttarakhand
The incident comes during the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall can increase the risk of landslides, sudden water flows and other hazards in Uttarakhand’s mountainous districts.
Chamoli has experienced several weather-related emergencies over the years, including landslides, flash floods and other incidents affecting roads and infrastructure. The region’s difficult terrain can make rescue operations particularly challenging when access routes or construction sites are affected.
However, officials had not yet publicly established the precise cause of the water and debris entering the tunnel in Thursday’s incident. Any assessment of whether rainfall, a local water surge, geological instability or another factor contributed would require confirmation from authorities.
For now, the immediate priority remains clear: rescuers are working to reach the three workers who are still feared trapped.
Rescue Teams Race to Reach Remaining Workers
The rescue of 16 workers has marked a significant step forward, but the operation remains active until authorities account for everyone who was inside the tunnel.
Rescue personnel are continuing efforts to clear access and reach the remaining workers. Police, the district administration and specialised agencies are coordinating the operation at the THDC project site.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by workers involved in major infrastructure projects in the Himalayan region. Tunnelling in mountainous terrain requires constant monitoring of water movement, rock conditions and other underground hazards, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
As rescue teams continue their work in Chamoli, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the condition and whereabouts of the remaining workers.
For now, 16 workers have been safely rescued, while three are feared trapped inside the tunnel. The rescue operation remains underway.