Uttarakhand Congress chief calls for inquiry into Pipalkoti tunnel leak and fatalities

The Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president, Ganesh Godiyal, publicly demanded an investigation into the Pipalkoti tunnel disaster in Chamoli district, alleging that a previously reported leak was overlooked by officials. The accident, which occurred at a THDC construction site, has claimed eight lives and left two workers still trapped underground. Godiyal directed his criticism at the Pushkar Singh Dhami government, urging accountability for the alleged negligence.

THDC executive director Verma explained that rescue teams have reduced the water level by roughly 1.5 metres and are deploying additional pumps to facilitate the search for the missing workers. Ongoing rescue efforts remain underway as authorities work to stabilize the tunnel. The tragedy has sparked heightened scrutiny of the state's infrastructure safety protocols and political leadership.