Uttarakhand: On February 28, 2025, a devastating avalanche struck near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, impacting a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp and leading to a significant rescue operation.
Incident Overview
The avalanche struck between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM IST, burying 54 BRO workers who were staying in eight containers and a shed at an altitude exceeding 10,000 feet, near the India-China border.
Rescue Efforts
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) led the rescue operations, collaborating with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Air Force. Over 200 personnel faced harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, extreme cold (−12°C to −15°C), and poor visibility. Specialized equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), sniffer dogs, and drones were deployed to locate the trapped individuals.
On the day of the avalanche, 33 workers were rescued, followed by 17 more on March 1. Tragically, four of the rescued workers succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to eight. Rescue teams recovered the body of the last missing worker by March 2, 2025, marking the conclusion of the operations.
Official Statements
Chamoli’s District Magistrate, Sandeep Tiwari, confirmed the recovery of the last body and expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the timely completion of the operation.
The Indian Army extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and acknowledged the unwavering courage of BRO personnel working in remote areas.
Environmental Context
The avalanche occurred near Mana Pass, a high-altitude region known for harsh winter conditions and frequent avalanches. Climate change and unpredictable weather patterns have caused the increasing frequency and severity of such incidents in the Himalayas. This event underscores the dangers faced by workers in high-altitude construction projects and highlights the need for enhanced safety measures in these ecologically fragile regions.
The Chamoli avalanche of February 2025 serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with infrastructure development in high-altitude terrains. The swift and coordinated response of multiple agencies ensured the rescue of many, but the loss of eight lives emphasizes the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and environmental considerations in such vulnerable regions.
