Governor and CM visit NHPC tunnel mishap site in Namchi, review rescue and relief

Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang visited the ADIT-3 tunnel site of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project at Samardung in Namchi district. The visit followed a tunnel accident reported to have occurred on July 20 around 1:05 pm.

The incident reportedly involved about 25 workers and project personnel who became trapped inside the tunnel after a methane gas combustion. Several people were said to be severely affected, prompting rescue and medical response.

Briefed on rescue work and medical support

During their visit, the Governor and Chief Minister were briefed by the Deputy Commissioner and senior Superintendent of Police of Namchi district, along with NHPC officials and emergency response agencies. Officials explained the circumstances of the mishap, the ongoing rescue operation, and the medical treatment being provided to affected workers.

The dignitaries interacted with officials on the ground and directed that every possible measure be taken to ensure the best medical care and support for the injured. They also reviewed the progress of recovery efforts and asked for strict adherence to safety protocols at industrial and infrastructure project sites.

Relief and compensation measures announced

They instructed NHPC’s chairman and managing director Bhupender Gupta to ensure that compensation is disbursed to victims at the earliest. The administration also outlined financial support: ex-gratia of Rs. 4 lakh for the families of each deceased worker, and Rs. 50,000 as immediate relief for each injured person.

The district administration was also asked to set up a dedicated mechanism at Rangpo to identify the deceased and to provide necessary assistance to affected families, including those from other States. Officials said the State government is monitoring the situation on a priority basis.

Rescue and search operations are being carried out in close coordination with NHPC, with support from the NDRF, Mines Rescue Team Asansol, and State agencies including the SDRF and Fire and Emergency Services. The Governor and Chief Minister also received a briefing from Manish Kumar Ranjan, commandant of the 2nd Battalion, NDRF Kolkata, on the status of operations and the challenges involved in recovering workers trapped inside the tunnel.