PM Modi speaks to Sikkim CM, assures all assistance for NHPC tunnel rescue
Gangtok, July 21
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang following the NHPC Teesta Stage VI hydropower project tunnel tragedy in Namchi district and assured the state of all possible assistance from the Centre as rescue operations continued.
The incident claimed at least seven lives, and the rescue operation is underway.
According to the Sikkim government, the Prime Minister enquired about the situation at the under-construction tunnel in Samardung at Jholungey and reviewed the ongoing rescue efforts. During the conversation, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the tragedy and conveyed his sympathies to the affected workers and their families.
He assured the state government of every possible support from the Centre for the rescue operation and relief measures.
Chief Minister Tamang thanked the Prime Minister for his prompt intervention and continued support, saying the Centre's assurance had provided strength and reassurance to the state administration as rescue efforts were being carried out under challenging conditions.
The rescue operation is being conducted on a war footing by multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), district administration, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, medical teams from Rangpo Primary Health Centre and local volunteers.
Specialised rescue teams from Pakyong and Siliguri have also joined the operation.
The Chief Minister said he was closely monitoring the rescue mission and had directed all departments concerned to expedite operations, extend every possible assistance to the affected families and ensure the highest safety standards during the exercise.
Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives, CM Tamang conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased workers and assured them of the state government's full support during the difficult period.
He also appreciated the dedication, courage and professionalism of the rescue personnel engaged in the complex operation.
Appealing to the public, the Chief Minister urged people to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and keep the affected workers and their families in their prayers.
The Sikkim government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the rescue operation is carried out safely and efficiently while extending all necessary assistance to the families affected by the tragedy.
Earlier in the day, officials confirmed that seven workers had died in the tunnel collapse, while efforts were continuing to recover the remaining trapped workers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is heartbreaking. Sikkim is a beautiful but geologically challenging place for big infrastructure. PM's timely call shows Centre is taking this seriously. My prayers for the families who lost loved ones. 🙏 Also appreciate CM Tamang's appeal to stop spreading rumours - during disasters, misinformation only adds to the pain.
The rescue operation includes NDRF, SDRF, police, fire services AND local volunteers - that's true team spirit! But honestly, seven lives lost is a huge tragedy. We need to ask tough questions: Were safety protocols properly followed at this NHPC tunnel? Hope the investigation is thorough. Centre's assurance is good, but prevention is better.
Salute to the rescue teams working in such challenging conditions in Sikkim! PM Modi's quick response shows he cares for every state, big or small. CM Tamang ji is doing a commendable job coordinating. Let's all keep the trapped workers and their families in our prayers. 🇮🇳
A necessary political response, but let's not forget the real issue - poor construction safety in hilly areas. This isn't the first tunnel collapse in India, nor the last unless we enforce strict safety norms. My heart goes out to the families who lost breadwinners. 😢 Hope the government provides proper compensation beyond just words.
📍 Being from Sikkim, this hits close to home. The terrain is really tough here - one minute everything is fine, the next there's a landslide. Huge respect for all rescue personnel risking their lives. PM's call is reassuring. Let's focus on the rescue operation now
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