In February 2025, a devastating avalanche struck Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, affecting a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) camp.
Out of the 54 personnel and labourers present at the site, 46 were successfully rescued, while eight lost their lives, the government informed Parliament on Friday.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, in a written response to a query in the Lok Sabha, stated that efforts are being made to prevent such incidents in the future, including conducting regular safety drills for BRO personnel and labourers working in high-risk areas.
The avalanche occurred in the early hours of the intervening night of February 27 and 28, near the camp area of EPC contractor M/s S&P VCIPL JV, a working agency with BRO. The camp was situated approximately four kilometers north of the Badrinath Shrine on the Mana-Mana Pass road.
Following the disaster, rescue operations were swiftly launched with Indian Army troops stationed at Joshimath acting as first responders.
A joint rescue team comprising personnel and resources from the Indian Air Force, Army Aviation, BRO, National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), along with support from the state and district administration, was deployed to search for survivors, provide medical aid, and assess the damage.
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The government also addressed the issue of financial assistance for the affected labourers and their families. Under the State Disaster Relief Fund, ₹4 lakh has been disbursed to the families of each deceased labourer.
Additionally, the district administration has initiated a proposal for further relief under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Families of the deceased will also receive compensation under the Employee Compensation Policy purchased by the contractor.
To mitigate future risks, the government is implementing several preventive measures, including enhanced coordination with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and state authorities for timely weather alerts, conducting safety audits of all labour camp locations, organising awareness workshops, and enforcing regular safety drills and contingency plans.
These initiatives aim to improve preparedness and safeguard workers in high-risk zones.
Also Read: BRO begins snow clearance on Leh-Manali highway
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