There has been a major landslide on the Dhauliganga power project in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, causing at least 19 employees of the National Hydroelectric Corporation (NHPC) in the power house tunnels. The incident occurred on Sunday, when both normal and emergency tunnels were blocked due to landslides.
Pithoragarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Rekha Yadav said that the entrance of the tunnel has been closed with big stones. Rescue operations are going on fast to evacuate trapped laborers and debris is being removed with the help of JCB machines.
According to officials, all the stranded employees are in touch with the company and administration and have enough food material available. Jitendra Verma, Deputy District Magistrate of Dharchula, informed that the JCB machines of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) have also been employed and despite continuous debris falling, the way is expected to be cleared by evening.