Lack of preparedness for evalanche: CITU demands swift rescue of workers stranded in Chimoli

By A Representative 

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has strongly criticized the Union Government and the Defence Ministry for their "utter lack of concern and well-equipped preparedness" in addressing the challenges posed by a recent avalanche that has endangered the lives of workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) campsite in the hilly terrain of Chimoli, Uttarakhand. The incident, which occurred on February 28, 2025, has left workers stranded, prompting CITU to call for urgent and swift rescue measures.

In a scathing statement, CITU highlighted the alarming fact that even defense forces have been unable to access the avalanche-hit site, where workers engaged in border road construction are trapped. This, they argue, exposes the dire lack of safety measures for laborers working in hostile weather and difficult geographical conditions, compounded by the absence of a functional communication network. "The Union Defence Ministry, responsible for the border road construction, and the state government have shown shameless indifference despite warnings from the Indian Meteorological Department about snowfall and rains in the hilly areas," the statement read. CITU accused both entities of failing to implement preventive arrangements or demonstrate any preparedness, reflecting a callous disregard for the laborers' lives.

CITU further slammed the contractor overseeing the project, alleging negligence in ensuring safety preparedness and an evacuation plan despite the predictable risks of snowfall and avalanches during this time of year. "Such contractors should be blacklisted and penalized for their irresponsibility," the union demanded. The majority of the affected BRO workers, many of whom are migrant laborers, are reportedly subjected to brutal working conditions without adequate safety, health, transport, or residential facilities. The lack of communication infrastructure has only worsened the delays in rescue operations, adding to the workers' plight.

As the principal employers under the Interstate Migrant Workers Act of 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act of 1970, CITU insists that the Border Roads Organisation and the Defence Ministry must compensate the workers and their families for losses incurred due to this disaster. The union also called on the Union Labour Ministry to enforce statutory compliance at BRO worksites, where violations of labor laws are allegedly rampant. "Instead of decriminalizing offenses for the ease of doing business, the Union Government must act to safeguard workers and their lives," CITU emphasized.

The statement was issued by Tapan Sen, General Secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), who reiterated the union's commitment to fighting for the rights and safety of workers across the country.