India News

57 labourers trapped under avalanche in Uttarakhand; 12 rescued

The incident underscores the risks faced by workers in high-altitude regions, particularly during harsh weather conditions.

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2025

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At least 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers are feared trapped after an avalanche struck near the Mana Pass area in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday. Officials confirmed that 12 workers have been rescued so far, while efforts are ongoing to locate and save the others.

The Mana Pass area, located approximately 52 km north of Badrinath Dham and over 310 km from Dehradun, is a high-altitude region prone to extreme weather conditions. Sandeep Tiwari, District Magistrate of Chamoli, stated that the avalanche buried a BRO camp, trapping the workers under the snow.

“Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Army have initiated rescue operations, and 12 people have been rescued so far. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are en route to the site, but the road to the affected area is currently blocked,” Tiwari said.

Arpan Yaduvanshi, Commandant of SDRF Uttarakhand, added, “Our team from Jyotirmath (formerly Joshimath) has been dispatched to the site. High-altitude teams stationed at Gauchar (Chamoli) and Sahastradhara (Dehradun) are on standby and will be airlifted via helicopters if necessary.”

Colonel Ankur Mahajan, Commander of the BRO, provided further details, stating, “We received information around 8 a.m. about the avalanche in the Mana area. Some workers employed by a contractor were engaged in road construction at the time. While we do not have the exact headcount yet, 12 people have been rescued. Some have sustained injuries, but the extent is unclear. They are currently receiving medical treatment.”

He also highlighted the challenges faced by rescue teams, noting, “The affected area is inaccessible, with no mobile or radio connectivity. The road before Hanuman Chatti is blocked, and our teams are working to clear it. We are making every effort to reach the site as quickly as possible.”

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his concern over the incident, saying, “Sad news has been received about many workers being buried under a snow avalanche during construction work conducted by the BRO near Mana village in Chamoli district. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by ITBP, BRO, and other rescue teams. I pray to Lord Badri Vishal for the safety of all the workers.”

The incident underscores the risks faced by workers in high-altitude regions, particularly during harsh weather conditions. As rescue operations continue, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.

India News

Rescue operation underway after water surge traps workers in Chamoli tunnel

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after a sudden surge of water and debris entered a tunnel at a THDC project site in Chamoli.

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

At least 10 workers are believed to be trapped after water and debris entered a tunnel at a Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) project site in Pipalkoti in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. A rescue operation is underway.

According to police, 18 labourers were working inside the tunnel when a sudden surge of water occurred. The strong current swept several workers towards the tunnel’s exit, according to a preliminary report.

Eight workers have been rescued so far, while 10 are still believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.

“Additional ambulances have been dispatched to the site. Police and administrative teams have arrived at the location,” Chamoli Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Pawar said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have also been dispatched to assist in the rescue operation.

India News

Delhi Metro to start services at 4 am on Independence Day

Delhi Metro will begin services at 4 am on August 15, with trains running every 30 minutes before regular services start.

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

Delhi Metro services will start at 4 am on August 15 to facilitate the movement of special guests, invitees and members of the public attending the Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Thursday.

Metro trains will operate at 30-minute intervals on all lines from 4 am until regular revenue services begin according to the scheduled timetable for the day.

Special QR tickets for Independence Day invitees

The DMRC said 1.30 lakh special pre-vended QR tickets have been supplied to the Ministry of Defence for the travel of special guests and bona fide invitees attending the celebrations.

Invitees carrying valid physical admit cards issued by the Ministry of Defence will also be provided special pre-vended QR tickets at designated Metro stations to facilitate their travel.

The cost of journeys made using these special QR tickets will be reimbursed to the DMRC by the Ministry of Defence, the corporation said.

Nearest Metro stations to Red Fort

The Lal Quila, Jama Masjid and Delhi Gate Metro stations are the nearest stations to the venue of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

The early start of Metro services is aimed at facilitating the movement of people attending the celebrations on Independence Day.

India News

Bengal withdraws Banga Bibhushan from BJP MP Nagendra Ray over Netaji remarks

West Bengal has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan awarded to BJP MP Nagendra Ray after his controversial remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Published

2 hours ago

August 13, 2026

APNLive Desk

The West Bengal government has withdrawn the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, amid controversy over his remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The award was conferred on Ray on February 21, 2026, when the Mamata Banerjee government was in power. The state government said the honour recognises distinguished and exemplary contributions to the state and its people and carries a high degree of dignity and prestige.

Why Bengal withdrew the award

The decision came less than 24 hours after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to take stringent action, including arrests, against people making derogatory remarks about Netaji on social media.

Adhikari had also said that the law would apply equally to MPs, MLAs and government officials.

The directive followed remarks by Ananta Maharaj in which he described Netaji as a “war criminal” and questioned his leadership as well as the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle.

What the Bengal government said

In its order, the state government said that “certain facts and circumstances” had emerged that raised questions over Nagendra Ray’s continued retention of the honour.

The government said the competent authority had concluded that retaining the Banga Bibhushan was inconsistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the award.

It therefore withdrew and annulled the honour conferred upon Nagendra Ray on February 21, 2026, with immediate effect. The order did not specifically identify the particular offence behind the decision.

Who is Nagendra Ray?

Nagendra Ray, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal who hails from Cooch Behar in the northern part of the state and is a leader of the Rajbanshi community.

The withdrawal of the state honour comes amid controversy over his remarks concerning Netaji, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle and a revered personality in Bengal.