Seven dead in Uttarakhand hydropower tunnel collapse as rescue efforts intensify
Uttarakhand authorities describe the response to the tunnel accident as a “war-like” operation, while experts warn of escalating risks from climate change and development in fragile Himalayan zones.
At least seven workers have been killed and 13 injured following a catastrophic incident at a state-run hydropower project in Uttarakhand, northern India. The accident occurred late on Thursday when a landslide triggered a surge of water and debris into a construction tunnel, trapping personnel inside. The Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami State Disaster Management Authority has confirmed the casualties, while three workers remain officially listed as missing.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami characterised the ongoing response as a “war-like rescue operation,” emphasising that the evacuation of every trapped worker is the top priority. Local authorities have shared footage showing rescue teams navigating flooded sections of the tunnel using makeshift rafts and head-mounted torches to locate survivors amidst the rising water levels.
Amrit Lal Meena, commander of the National Disaster Response Force team deployed to the site, reported that conditions have deteriorated since the operation began. He noted that water levels inside the tunnel have increased considerably, with water continuing to seep from the sides, complicating efforts to reach those still trapped.
The incident takes place against a backdrop of heavy monsoon rains that have recently battered the region. Uttarakhand has experienced significant weather-related disruptions, with hundreds of deaths recorded across India in floods and landslides since the monsoon season commenced in June. The State Disaster Management Authority continues to monitor the status of the missing personnel as rescue teams work to secure the area.
Ecologists and experts have long cautioned that excessive development in fragile Himalayan areas contributes to increased disaster frequency. This accident follows a pattern of safety concerns in India’s infrastructure sector, including a July incident in Sikkim where 20 workers died in a tunnel accident at another state-run hydroelectric project. Historical data also highlights the region's vulnerability, such as the 2023 event in Uttarakhand where 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days.
Experts attribute the growing severity of such disasters to the intersection of climate change and poorly planned development. As construction projects expand into ecologically sensitive zones, the risk of landslides and flooding remains a critical governance and safety challenge for regional authorities.
