Chamoli : Rescue Efforts Halted Amid Heavy Snowfall, Relief Teams on Standby

Chamoli, Uttarakhand: The search and rescue operations for five missing Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers trapped in an avalanche near Mana area of Chamoli district have been temporarily halted due to heavy snowfall and worsening weather conditions, officials confirmed.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), relief efforts will resume as soon as the weather permits. “Rescue operations have been temporarily halted due to heavy snowfall and bad weather conditions. Teams are on standby and will resume at the earliest,” the official stated.

So far, four bodies have been recovered, and 4-5 individuals remain stranded. Meanwhile, all other rescued workers are undergoing medical treatment.

Relief and Rescue Efforts on a War Footing

BJP Garhwal Lok Sabha MP Anil Baluni assured that relief and rescue efforts were being carried out on a war footing to save the BRO workers still trapped under the snow. In a statement, Baluni emphasized that he was in constant touch with the local administration, BRO, Army, and ITBP to monitor the situation closely.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Relief and rescue operations are in full swing to save BRO workers trapped in an avalanche in the Mana area of Chamoli district. I am in regular contact with the District Magistrate, BRO, Army, and ITBP teams to ensure all possible assistance.”

Baluni further assured that the injured workers were receiving the best possible medical care. He personally contacted senior doctors at Army Hospital Joshimath and AIIMS Rishikesh to facilitate timely medical attention.

“I have spoken to senior doctors at Army Hospital, Joshimath, and requested them to ensure proper and advanced treatment for the injured workers. One worker, suffering from serious injuries, has already been admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh. I have also spoken to the Director of AIIMS Rishikesh to prioritize medical care for the injured,” he added.

Additionally, Baluni sought urgent assistance from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to expedite resources required for the rescue operations. He directed medical teams to inform him immediately if any additional medical support, equipment, or expert consultations were required. To enhance real-time medical response, he arranged for AIIMS New Delhi specialists to be available for consultations via video conferencing.

Chamoli District Magistrate’s Update on Rescue Operations

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari provided further details on the relief operations, confirming that 24 BRO personnel were receiving treatment in Joshimath. One critically injured worker, suffering from a spinal injury, was airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

Search operations for the five missing workers remain a priority. The Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been actively engaged in rescue efforts. However, Defence PRO, Dehradun, confirmed that four lives had already been lost, while search operations continue for the remaining missing individuals.

The avalanche struck near Mana village in Chamoli on February 28, affecting 55 BRO workers stationed at the base camp. When the disaster occurred, the workers were housed in container shelters set up at the site. Out of the 55 personnel, 50 workers have been successfully rescued by ITBP and Army teams in a swift operation.

Chief Minister’s Aerial Survey and Government’s Response

Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an aerial survey of the avalanche-affected region, assessing the extent of damage and ongoing rescue efforts. He later visited the injured workers receiving treatment at the Army Hospital Joshimath, where he inquired about their well-being and assured them of full government support.

The Chief Minister directed Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari to ensure that no resources were lacking in the search and rescue operations. He also confirmed that the Central Government was actively providing all necessary assistance to expedite relief efforts.

In response to the crisis, the Uttarakhand government released an official report detailing the rescue operations being carried out in Mana Gate, Joshimath, where the avalanche hit the BRO camp.

Extensive Air Rescue Operations Deployed

The state government has mobilized an extensive air rescue operation under the direct orders of the Chief Minister. The following aerial resources have been deployed for emergency response:

• One MI-17 helicopter
• Three Cheetah helicopters
• Two Uttarakhand government helicopters
• One air ambulance from AIIMS Rishikesh

Officials have been instructed to deploy additional helicopters if necessary to accelerate evacuation and medical response efforts.

According to the latest reports, all rescued individuals have been airlifted to Joshimath and are receiving medical care at the Army hospital. Nearly 200 personnel from various relief agencies—including the Army, ITBP, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, district administration, police, health department, and fire services—are actively engaged in relief operations.

Challenges Amid Heavy Snowfall

Despite the coordinated efforts, severe weather conditions pose significant challenges to the rescue mission. Heavy snowfall has accumulated 6-7 feet of snow in Badrinath, further complicating relief operations. Many key roads remain blocked, particularly a 5-6 km stretch near Badrinath, which has been rendered inaccessible due to snow accumulation.

Efforts are underway to clear the obstructed roads, ensuring better accessibility for rescue teams and medical personnel. Meanwhile, the Army helipad near Mana base camp has been prepared to facilitate emergency evacuations if required.

Looking Ahead: Government’s Continued Efforts

The Uttarakhand government remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation while ensuring that all necessary relief and medical support is provided to the affected workers. The rescue teams are on standby, ready to resume operations once weather conditions improve.

With five BRO workers still missing, the government has vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to bring them back safely. Meanwhile, the families of the affected workers continue to await news with hope, as the entire nation stands in solidarity with those affected by the Chamoli avalanche tragedy.