Water seepage from the left-side wall of the 370-metre-long Tambakhani tunnel at the entrance to Uttarkashi town in Uttarakhand has led to water, mud and slush accumulating along the pedestrian walkway inside the tunnel.
“The agency will conduct an in-depth hydrological and engineering study of the subterranean seepage. Permanent structural repairs will be undertaken based on the findings of the study. Residents said that the tunnel, constructed in 2013 at a cost of approximately ₹ 19 crore near the Uttarkashi district headquarters, has faced persistent water seepage problems since its construction, with the situation worsening during the monsoon season.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) and tendering process has been completed,” Verma said. Suresh Chauhan, an MLA from Gangotri, said the affected portion of the tunnel was treated in the past but the seepage intensified during the monsoon. “The management of the tunnel has now been transferred to the BRO and clear instructions have been given to conduct a study and ensure a permanent solution to the water seepage problem,” he said.
