Uttarakhand: ITBP deploys sniffer dogs at Tapovan Tunnel for rescue ops

at 5:18 pm
Tapowan tunnel

New Delhi (NVI): The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has deployed its sniffer dog squad for rescue operations at the Tapowan tunnel in Chamoli district, which was damaged yesterday after a glacier burst triggered flash flood in the region.

Nearly 30 workers are believed to be trapped in this area.

There is a large amount of debris inside the second tunnel. The force has so far cleared at least 90 meters with the help of JCB machines and earthmovers.

Indian Army and ITBP personnel carried out the clearing of the mouth of a second tunnel with the help of Engineer Task Forces through Sunday night in order to carry out rescue operations.

The rescue ops in the other tunnel have concluded. Twelve workers were rescued from this tunnel after a part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off at Joshimath in Chamoli, according to the ITBP.

Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said it’s a very difficult situation, but ITBP successfully rescued people from first tunnel and now they’re working on second tunnel which is approximately 3km long.

“NDRF and the military are also on it. By afternoon we can expect some positive results,” he added.

-CHK