Chamoli: The recent avalanche incident in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli’s Mana has hugely impacted the ongoing road widening work on the Indo-China border. This work was scheduled to be completed by October this year, but now it is expected to be delayed.
Currently, the BRO is looking for a safe place for the workers, and containers meant for workers’ accommodation will be made at another location. Right now, there are two to three feet of snow in this area. Once the snow melts, the first step will be to set up new containers for the workers to live in.
Avalanche delays highway widening work in Mana Pass
The recent avalanche in Mana Pass has significantly impacted the ongoing highway widening project. Originally scheduled for completion by October 2027, the project is now expected to face delays due to the incident. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been working on improving and widening the Mana Village-Mana Pass highway for the past two years, and the responsibility for the project has been assigned to a private firm.
Seeking safe accommodation for workers
The BRO is currently focused on finding a safe place for the workers, as the containers they were residing in were damaged by the avalanche. There are currently two to three feet of snow in the area, and new containers will be set up for the workers to live in once the snow melts.
Impact of the avalanche
At the time of the avalanche, 54 workers were trapped. Fortunately, 46 workers were rescued safely, but sadly, eight workers lost their lives. Among the rescued, two seriously injured workers were sent to AIIMS Rishikesh, while 44 workers were admitted to the Army hospital. Out of these, 40 workers have been discharged, and four workers remain in the hospital. Jyotirmath SDM Chandrashekhar Vashisht stated that the remaining workers will be sent home soon, based on the advice of doctors.
BRO will set up new containers for the workers
Once the snow melts and the area is deemed safe, the BRO will set up new containers for the workers and resume the highway widening work. BRO Commander Colonel Ankur Mahajan assured that they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the workers. The avalanche has caused delays in the project, but efforts are underway to provide safe accommodation for the workers and resume the highway widening work as soon as possible.
