JOIN US16 labourers rescued from tunnel in Uttarakhand
A small hydro project of 13.2 megawatt on the Rishiganga river was washed away on Sunday after water level rose following the glacial burst even as at least 16 labourers trapped inside tunnels were rescued while scores were feared dead.
The Centre was continuously reviewing the situation and its latest assessment said there was no danger of floods in downstream areas as the water levels have been contained.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Assam earlier in the day, was constantly being briefed about the situation. "“I am constantly monitoring the unfortunate situation in Uttarakhand. India stands with Uttarakhand, prays for everyone's safety,” Modi said.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and assured him of all possible support to deal with the situation arising from the glacier burst and the resulting floods.
In a series of tweets in Hindi, Shah also said teams of the NDRF were deployed for rescue and relief operations of the affected people while additional troops of the force were being airlifted from Delhi. "All the concerned officers are working on a war footing to secure the people. NDRF teams have left for rescue operations. Every possible help will be provided to 'Devbhoomi'," he said.
Officials said at least 16 labourers trapped inside tunnels were rescued as hundreds of rescue workers of Army, ITBP and NDRF along with local police were deployed.
The glacier fall also led to issues for the ITBP. Connectivity with some of its border posts was "totally restricted" due to a bridge collapsing near Reni village, an ITBP spokesperson said.
The National Crisis Management Committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba met during the day to take stock of the situation while the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary gave a briefing on the ground situation.
"The glacial burst led to the rising of water levels in the river Rishiganga, which washed away the Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW. The flash flood also affected the downstream hydro project of NTPC at Tapovan on the river Dhauliganga, which is a tributary of the river Alaknanda," a statement said.
However, as per the Central Water Commission (CWC), there is "no danger of downstream flooding" and the rise in water level has been contained.
Though there is no threat to neighbouring villages, the NCMC directed central and state agencies to keep a strict vigil on the situation. A team from DRDO, who monitor avalanches, is being flown in for surveillance and reconnaissance.