Sikkim: NHPC concludes rescue operation at Teesta Stage-VI tunnel after recovering bodies of all 25 trapped personnel
Namchi, July 24
The rescue operation at the under-construction Head Race Tunnel of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited's Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim has been concluded with the recovery of the bodies of all 25 personnel trapped inside the tunnel.
An unfortunate incident occurred on July 20 inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of Teesta Stage-VI Project after a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped/embedded inside the rocks, which led to an explosion generating dense fumes and toxic gases.
The rescue operation was carried out with the coordinated support of the District Administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Ministry of Power, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Government of Sikkim, Government of West Bengal, NHPC, Coal India Limited, Patel Engineering Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited, Western Coalfields Limited, local authorities and several other agencies.
NHPC's Top Management remained present at the project site throughout the rescue operation for closely monitoring and coordinating with all the agencies involved.
NHPC, in a statement, said that it deeply mourns the tragic loss of 25 precious lives in this unfortunate incident and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Company said that it stands firmly with the families during this difficult time and is committed to extending all possible support to them.
NHPC expressed its "sincere gratitude" to all the participating agencies, including the District Administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Coal India Limited, Patel Engineering Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited, Western Coalfields Limited, local authorities and every individual who contributed selflessly to the rescue operation under exceptionally challenging circumstances, the statement read.
NHPC also conveyed its special thanks to the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Government of Sikkim and the Government of West Bengal for their invaluable guidance, unwavering support and timely assistance during this difficult time.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rest in peace to all the brave souls. 🙏 It's heartbreaking to hear about methane gas explosion in a hydro project tunnel. We need better geological surveys before starting such projects in fragile Himalayan regions like Sikkim. Hope the authorities learn from this tragedy.
Terrible news. 25 lives lost is a huge blow. While I appreciate the coordinated rescue efforts involving NDRF, SDRF, and multiple agencies, I wonder why methane detection systems weren't in place in a tunnel project. Safety should never be compromised for deadlines. Thoughts and prayers for the families.
This is absolutely tragic. As someone from the Northeast, I know how challenging infrastructure projects are in our mountains. But 25 workers dying in a gas explosion is unacceptable. NHPC must ensure full support to grieving families and investigate what went wrong. My deepest condolences. 🕯️
A sad day for India's infrastructure sector. I've been following this story closely. The fact that methane was trapped in rocks for millions of years and suddenly released is a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability. That said, modern tunneling technologies have gas detection systems—why weren't they used here? RIP to all.
प्रणाम to the departed souls. 🙏 This is a huge loss for Sikkim. The Teesta hydro project is vital for our power needs, but not at the cost of human lives. I appreciate NHPC and all agencies for the rescue, but a thorough safety audit of all such tunnels is urgently needed. My heart breaks for the families.
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