Garhwal Post Bureau
Gopeshwar (Chamoli), 17 Aug: Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup today held a review meeting at the district auditorium here regarding the mishap in the under‑construction THDC tunnel. The meeting examined the progress of the rescue operation, the resources available, coordination among agencies and matters concerning the welfare of workers. The officials informed the meeting that a total of 22 workers have been affected in the incident, of whom 12 have been rescued safely. Seven are undergoing treatment at the district hospital in Gopeshwar and one is receiving medical care at AIIMS Rishikesh. Eight workers lost their lives while the search for two missing workers continues with the rescue operation in full swing.
Swaroop, after reviewing the progress of the rescue, directed that the search and rescue of the missing workers be pursued with utmost seriousness and speed. He instructed that better coordination among all the agencies engaged in the operation be ensured and that all the available resources be utilised effectively. The officials reported that three machines have already been removed from the tunnel and work is underway to remove an excavator and a dumper. The Commissioner also directed that the remaining machinery be cleared and the search and rescue work inside the tunnel be expedited. He also emphasised establishing effective coordination with RBNL to ensure cooperation and optimal use of resources in rescue and other necessary works related to THDC. He said that all agencies concerned must work in close coordination and accord the highest priority to the rescue operation.
Swaroop also reviewed the issues related to the workers’ welfare. He directed the Labour Officer to examine records concerning provident fund of workers engaged in the THDC project and prepare a clear and factual report. He directed that the report be made available on priority and the matter be communicated to the Labour Commissioner as well.
Among those present at the meeting were District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, SP, Chamoli, Surjit Singh Panwar, CDO Dr Abhishek Tripathi, ADM Vivek Prakash, SDMs Raj Kumar Pandey and Alokesh Nautiyal along with officials of THDC and related departments.
