Avalanche in Uttarakhand Traps 41 Workers; Rescue Operations Underway
A devastating avalanche struck near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on February 28, 2025, trapping at least 41 construction workers under the snow. The incident occurred close to the Mana Pass, near India’s border with Tibet, an area known for its challenging terrain and susceptibility to avalanches. The workers, employed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), were engaged in infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in this remote region.
Initial reports indicate that a total of 57 workers were present at the site when the avalanche occurred. Rescue teams have successfully extricated 16 individuals, three of whom have been transported to a military hospital for medical treatment. The remaining 41 workers are still unaccounted for, and efforts to locate and rescue them are ongoing. Adverse weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and rain, have significantly hampered the rescue operations, making access to the site challenging and increasing the risk of further avalanches.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has stated that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is actively assisting in the rescue efforts. Specialized teams equipped with advanced equipment have been deployed to expedite the search and rescue mission. The Indian Army and local authorities are also collaborating to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the disaster.
The ecologically sensitive Himalayan region has been increasingly prone to avalanches, a situation exacerbated by the impacts of global warming. The rising temperatures have led to the destabilization of snow and ice, increasing the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters. In a similar incident in 2022, 27 trainee mountaineers lost their lives in an avalanche in the same region, underscoring the persistent risks faced by those living and working in these high-altitude areas.
The BRO has been instrumental in constructing and maintaining roads and infrastructure in India’s border areas, often operating under challenging and hazardous conditions. The organization has faced previous incidents where natural calamities have posed significant threats to its personnel and projects. This latest tragedy highlights the inherent dangers associated with infrastructure development in such volatile terrains and raises concerns about the safety measures in place for workers.
As rescue operations continue, the priority remains the safe retrieval of the trapped workers. Authorities are also focusing on providing immediate medical attention to the rescued individuals and ensuring that all personnel involved in the operations are equipped to handle the harsh environmental conditions. The incident has prompted discussions on the need for improved safety protocols and early warning systems to protect workers and residents in avalanche-prone regions.
