A landslide during heavy monsoon rains blocked both the main head race tunnel and an emergency shaft at the Dhauliganga Hydropower Project (280 MW) near Dharchula in Pithoragarh district, entrapping 19 NHPC workers and officials inside the Tomble powerhouse for nearly 22 hours.
The incident occurred around 5 PM Saturday, just after the morning shift, when debris from a landslide rapidly blocked access tunnels, making escape impossible. According to our correspondent, the fast-moving earth and rocks left both the primary exit and ventilation shaft unusable, trapping the personnel overnight.
In a coordinated response, the District Administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), NDRF, BRO, and CISF launched rescue operations immediately. Our correspondent adds that despite persistent debris fall, BRO’s JCB machines cleared a path, allowing the first eight personnel to be rescued by Sunday morning and the remaining eleven by afternoon.
Officials confirmed that power generation at the project continued uninterrupted amid the rescue. The trapped workers were in communication with rescue teams throughout and had access to essential supplies during their time underground.
Monsoon-Related Risks and Project’s Vulnerabilities
The Dhauliganga region, part of the eastern Kumaon Himalayas, is especially prone to monsoon-induced landslides. According to past media reports, this project suffered severe damage in 2013 due to catastrophic floods, and later in 2021 from glacial bursts, underscoring its vulnerability to natural disasters.
Statewide Relief Efforts
The state government reported significant progress in clearing monsoon-disrupted roads, with over 1,700 routes reopened, covering nearly 96% of blocked paths. Officials continue to focus on maintaining connectivity and ensuring safe movement during the disaster season.
