Uttarakhand Glacier Break: IAF says Tapovan dam “Completely Washed Off”

According to the initial reports of Indian Air Force, Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam was completely washed off after a glacier burst in the Chamoli district. The 520 MW Tapovan hydro-electric project, owned by state-run NTPC limited was being constructed at a cost of nearly ₹ 3,000 crore.

“The dam is called Tapovan Hydro-Electric Power Dam. It is on the confluence of Dhauli Ganga and Rishi Ganga. As per the recce Tapovan dam also called Rishi Ganga Project has been completely washed off,” the initial report said.

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“Rubble [was] seen from the entrance of Nanda Devi glacier till as down as Pipalkoti and Chamoli along Dhauliganga and Alaknanda,” Air Force sources said.

“Two IAF C-130 aircraft from Air Force Station Hindan have positioned NDRF teams at Dehradun, where Mi-17 and ALH helicopters are deployed for onward deployment to Joshimath. An additional ALH deployed at Joshimath has undertaken recce of affected areas,” IAF tweeted.

Several people working at the dam are among the 170 missing after the glacier break in Chamoli district. However, IAF’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) deployed at Joshimath has undertaken rescue operation of affected areas.

IAF further tweeted, “Two An-32 aircraft have transported relief material & IN Marine Commando team to Dehradun. An IAF officer, as Task Force Commander, at Jolly Grant airport, is coordinating relief operations. HADR aerial ops will continue tomorrow.”