SDM Jyotirmath to head magisterial inquiry into tunnel accident in Pipalkoti

By Arun Pratap SinghGarhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun/Jyotirmath, 20 Aug: District Magistrate, Chamoli, Gaurav Kumar has formally ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident that occurred on 13 August 2026 in the under-construction THDC tunnel at Hat (Pipal Koti) area of Chamoli district. The Pargana Magistrate cum SDM, Jyotirmath has been appointed as the inquiry officer. He has been asked to examine the causes of the accident, the circumstances leading to it, possible negligence and the safety measures adopted during construction. He has been directed to submit a detailed report within 15 days, including recommendations to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
It may be recalled that 11 workers have died so far in the tunnel accident that occurred on 13 August when 22 workers were trapped as the water and the debris had entered the tunnel, while 11 others remain seriously injured.
Meanwhile, a separate magisterial inquiry has also been ordered into the Tamak Nala incident, where excessive rainfall caused heavy water and debris flow, damaging the bridge and road and disrupting traffic. According to the report of the Tehsildar, Jyotirmath, three vehicles were affected on National Highway-107, including two belonging to the Border Roads Organisation’s 123 unit, while a pickup vehicle was swept away in the strong current. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jyotirmath has been appointed as inquiry officer and instructed to present a comprehensive report within 15 days, covering causes, sequence of events, affected vehicles and missing persons, along with safety measures to avert similar disasters in future.
Meanwhile, demands for compensation have intensified following the tunnel accident. Under the leadership of All India Federation general secretary Sohan Kumar, workers of HCC Mayapur staged a protest demanding fair and dignified compensation for the families of deceased labourers. Former village head of Hat, Rajendra Hatwal, also joined the demonstration. Workers took out a rally from the HCC office to the THDC gate, raising slogans against the management. They said the labourers who lost their lives were not only breadwinners but carried the full responsibility of their families, and their deaths have pushed dependents into severe financial crisis.
The inquiries will determine accountability and safety lapses, while the growing protests underline the urgency of ensuring justice and adequate relief for the affected families.