7 Workers Killed in Uttarakhand Hydro Project Tunnel Flood

A sudden rush of water and debris entered an under-construction tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, killing seven workers and injuring 14. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. Thursday inside a tunnel of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation-owned project near Mayapur in the Pipalkoti area.

Construction work was being carried out by Hindustan Construction Company. Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar said a large-scale, multi-agency rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident. By 11 p.m., 21 workers were evacuated from the tunnel, seven of whom were declared dead.

Officials said around 30 workers were inside the tunnel when a landslide and heavy water seepage suddenly blocked part of the passage. Fourteen injured workers were taken to hospitals for treatment. The district administration mobilized teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, police, fire services and the District Disaster Response Force.

Heavy machinery and specialized equipment were deployed to clear debris and reach the affected section. NDRF team commander Amrit Lal Meena said the tunnel was heavily flooded when his team arrived. Rescue workers used blue plastic drums to help move through the flooded section.

The incident has again raised concerns about the risks associated with tunnel construction in Uttarakhand's geologically fragile Himalayan terrain. The same project was the site of another serious accident in December, when two loco trains collided inside a tunnel while more than 100 people were working underground.

Tunnel accidents and disasters have repeatedly exposed the hazards associated with major infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand. In August 2025, 19 workers were trapped inside a National Hydroelectric Power Corporation tunnel in Pithoragarh after a landslide blocked its entrance. Rescue teams had to clear debris to reach the workers.

The incident is a reminder of the need for strict safety protocols and emergency response plans in place for such projects. The state government and project authorities must take immediate action to ensure the safety of workers and prevent such incidents in the future.

The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project is a significant infrastructure project in Uttarakhand, aimed at generating electricity and promoting economic development in the region. However, the project has been plagued by accidents and safety concerns, highlighting the need for greater attention to safety and risk management.

In conclusion, the incident at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with tunnel construction in Uttarakhand's fragile terrain. The state government and project authorities must take immediate action to ensure the safety of workers and prevent such incidents in the future.