New Delhi, July 22: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, accompanied by Governor of Sikkim Mr Om Prakash Mathur, yesterday visited the site of the tragic accident at the under-construction ADIT-3 tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi district to assess the situation and review the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The Governor and the Chief Minister conducted a joint inspection of the tunnel where the incident occurred on 20 July. They were briefed by the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Namchi district, NHPC officials, emergency response agencies, and the Commandant of the 2nd Battalion, National Disaster Response Force , Kolkata, Mr Manish Kumar Ranjan, on the circumstances surrounding the incident, the progress of the rescue operations, the challenges involved, and the medical treatment being provided to the affected workers.

Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stated that the thoughts and prayers of the entire State are with them during this difficult time. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to extending every possible support to the affected families.

The Chief Minister announced that the State Government will constitute a high–level enquiry committee to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. He further informed that ex gratia assistance will be extended to the families of the deceased workers in accordance with National Disaster Response Force  norms. In addition, the State Government will provide an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker, while ₹50,000 will be provided to each injured person as immediate financial assistance.

The Governor and the Chief Minister directed the Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC, Mr Bhupender Gupta, to ensure that compensation is disbursed to the victims at the earliest. They also instructed the District Administration to establish a dedicated mechanism at Rangpo for the identification of the deceased and to provide all necessary assistance to the affected families, particularly those belonging to other States.

Both dignitaries directed the concerned authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and emphasised the need for strict adherence to safety protocols at all industrial and infrastructure project sites.

The Chief Minister commended the coordinated efforts of the District Administration, NDRF, State Disaster Response Force, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority , Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, the Mines Rescue Team from Asansol, NHPC officials, medical personnel, local residents, and all other agencies engaged in the rescue operation. Search and rescue efforts are continuing on the highest priority under close coordination among all stakeholders.

Following the tragic incident, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with the Chief Minister over the telephone to enquire about the situation and the ongoing rescue operations. The Prime Minister expressed deep concern for the affected workers and their families and assured every possible assistance from the Government of India. The Chief Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the people of Sikkim for the Prime Minister’s support, concern, and solidarity during this challenging time.

The Chief Minister also received a telephone call from Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, who reviewed the situation and the ongoing rescue efforts. During the conversation, the Chief Minister briefed him on the measures being undertaken by the State Government in coordination with the NDRF and other agencies. The Union Home Minister expressed deep concern over the incident and assured every possible assistance from the Government of India. The Chief Minister thanked him for his continued support and concern for the people of Sikkim.

The State Government continues to monitor the situation on the highest priority. Rescue operations are being carried out in close coordination with NHPC and all responding agencies to ensure every possible effort is made to rescue those trapped and extend all necessary assistance to the affected families.

The tragic incident occurred at around 1:04 p.m. on 20 July inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, when a suspected methane gas pocket embedded within the rock suddenly burst, triggering an explosion that filled the tunnel with dense fumes and toxic gases. According to the latest official information, 11 workers have lost their lives, while rescue and recovery operations are continuing under challenging conditions. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force , State Disaster Response Force , the Directorate General of Mines Safety, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NHPC, and the District Administration are continuing round-the-clock efforts to recover the remaining trapped workers.