Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, Aug. 31 — Nineteen workers of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) were trapped inside the Dhauliganga Power Project on Sunday after heavy rains triggered a landslide that blocked both the normal and emergency tunnels, officials said.
Dharchula Deputy District Magistrate Jitendra Verma said machines have been deployed to remove debris and the access path is expected to be cleared by evening. “All the workers are safe. Once the way to the power house is opened, they will come out,” he added.
The landslide struck the Ealagarh area near Dharchula, obstructing the main and emergency access tunnels to the project. Verma noted that despite the continuous falling of debris, clearing operations are underway with the help of JCB machines provided by the Border Roads Organisation.
He also said that power generation at the Dhauliganga project is continuing normally despite the disruption.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and rescue teams remain on standby to ensure the workers’ safe evacuation.
