19 Workers Trapped as Tunnels of NHPC’s Dhauliganga Project Collapse in Uttarakhand

Quick Summary

• Nineteen workers of NHPC were trapped inside teh powerhouse of the Dhauliganga Power Project in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district due to a landslide blocking both normal adn emergency tunnels.
• the incident occurred on august 31, 2025, following heavy rains that caused debris in the area.
• Dharchula Deputy District Magistrate Jitendra Verma stated that machines, including JCBs from the Border Roads Organisation, are being used to clear the debris despite ongoing challenges posed by falling debris.
• All trapped workers are reported safe and will be able to exit once access is restored by evening as per officials’ estimates.
• Power generation at the Dhauliganga Power Project remains uninterrupted despite the obstruction.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The blockade at Dhauliganga Power Project highlights growing vulnerabilities associated with infrastructure situated in areas prone to landslides triggered by heavy rains. Even though it is indeed reassuring that all trapped workers are safe and power generation continues without disruption, this incident underscores pressing concerns about disaster preparedness for hydropower projects amidst erratic weather patterns intensified by climate change. Effective coordination between local authorities and organizations such as NHPC is pivotal during emergencies like these to ensure timely resolution while minimizing risks.Furthermore, it raises questions about long-term safety measures for similar critical projects located in geographically sensitive regions like Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain. Continuous monitoring systems and reinforced preventive strategies may need further prioritization to address future uncertainties linked to natural calamities.

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