In a heart-wrenching incident on the banks of the Alakananda River in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, at least 15 lives were lost, including that of a police subinspector and five home guards. The catastrophe unfolded on Wednesday when a transformer exploded at the Namami Gange project site, leaving numerous individuals trapped in the aftermath. As rescue teams and law enforcement arrived promptly at the scene, relief operations were initiated to aid the injured and search for any survivors. Chamoli Superintendent of Police, Parmendra Doval, confirmed that ten people had died instantly from the electric shock, while others sustained injuries and were rushed to the district hospital.
The injured were then airlifted to AIIMS Rishikesh for further medical attention. Shockingly, the caretaker of the project site, Ganesh Lal, was the first fatality after coming into contact with the live current on the side railing of the river dam. Subsequently, the tragic chain of events continued as others touched the railing, succumbing to the deadly electric shock. The devastating incident occurred amidst incessant rainfall that had been battering Uttarakhand for several days. As a result of the continuous downpour, the water level of the Alakananda River surged, prompting the release of around 3,000 cusecs of additional water from the GVK hydroelectric project dam in Srinagar, Pauri district.
This surge in water levels created hazardous conditions in the area. The State Emergency Operation Center issued directives to district magistrates in Pauri, Tehri, Haridwar, and Dehradun to exercise utmost caution in their respective regions due to the rising water levels. In response, residents of Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other vulnerable areas were advised to stay away from the river banks and prioritize their safety. In the wake of the tragedy, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and ordered a Magisterial inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
State Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, present in Chamoli at the time, confirmed the death toll of 15, with seven others sustaining injuries. The incident at the Namami Gange project site underscores the critical importance of maintaining safety standards in such endeavors, especially during adverse weather conditions. The loss of valuable lives has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting authorities to take necessary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the injured receive medical care and families mourn their losses, the entire state mourns this grievous incident that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of its people.