Chamoli district orders magisterial inquiries into THDC tunnel accident, flash flood

The Chamoli district administration on Wednesday ordered magisterial inquiries into the August 13 tunnel accident at a THDC under-construction project in the Hat area near Pipalkoti and a separate flash flood incident in Tamak Nala near Tapovan. District magistrate Gaurav Kumar appointed the sub-divisional magistrate of Chamoli as the investigating officer for the tunnel accident and the SDM of Jyotirmath for the flash flood incident. Both officers have been directed to submit their reports within 15 days.

The tunnel accident occurred on August 13 around 7 pm at the under-construction THDC tunnel at Mayapur, where workers were trapped when water and debris entered after a suspected aquifer burst. Twenty-two workers were inside the tunnel at the time. The inquiry will examine safety arrangements, the circumstances leading to the sudden inflow of water, and any negligence or lapses.

The second incident occurred at Tamak Nala near Tapovan, where heavy rainfall triggered a sudden surge of water and debris affecting traffic. Three vehicles on National Highway-107 were affected, including two belonging to the Border Roads Organisation. A pickup vehicle was swept away. The inquiry will examine the sequence of events and the details concerning a missing person.