Following the recent avalanche in Mana, the widening work of the Mana-Mana Pass Highway has been significantly impacted. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), tasked with the project completion by October 2027, now faces delays due to the natural disaster. In response, BRO has initiated the search for a safe accommodation site between Badrinath and Mana to set up new containers for workers.
Currently, the region remains covered in two to three feet of snow. Once the snow melts, the primary focus will be on establishing secure worker shelters to resume the highway expansion. The project, under the supervision of a private firm, had been progressing over the past two years.
Avalanche Damages Worker Shelters
The avalanche destroyed eight worker containers and a shelter, leaving many without safe lodging. Colonel Ankur Mahajan, BRO Commander, confirmed that new containers will be installed at safer locations, ensuring accommodation for the laborers before resuming the roadwork.
Four Workers Still Hospitalized
During the avalanche, 54 workers were trapped, out of which 46 were rescued safely, while eight lost their lives. Two critically injured workers were shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh, and 44 others were admitted to a military hospital. While 40 have been discharged, four remain under treatment. SDM of Jyotirmath, Chandrashekhar Vashishth, stated that the remaining workers will be sent home after medical clearance.
