NGT takes up Sikkim tunnel deaths case, seeks report on suspected methane leak that killed NHPC workers
The National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of deaths of at least 25 NHPC workers in a Sikkim hydropower tunnel incident and asked pollution and N
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated proceedings on the reported deaths of at least 25 workers in Sikkim after a suspected methane gas release inside an under-construction hydropower tunnel. The tribunal said it is looking into the circumstances of the incident and the possible environmental angle linked to it.
The case is related to the July 20 incident at the head race tunnel of the NHPC Teesta-VI Hydroelectric Project in Samardung, Namchi district. The NGT noted that suspected methane gas escaped suddenly from rocks inside the tunnel, leading to dense smoke and toxic gases and creating hazardous conditions for workers. Rescue and stabilisation operations were later carried out for workers trapped inside.
Tribunal shifts case to Eastern Zonal Bench
In its August 3 order, the NGT took cognisance based on a newspaper report and directed the District Collector of Namchi, the Central Pollution Control Board, the Sikkim Pollution Control Board, and the regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to submit their responses through affidavits. The matter has been transferred from the Principal Bench to the Eastern Zonal Bench in Kolkata, which will hear it on September 3.
The tribunal also said the incident raised environmental concerns. These include allegations of illegal felling of trees in forest areas and possible violations of environmental and air pollution laws. It asked the respondents to file their replies at least a week before the next hearing. The tribunal also indicated that those filing replies directly, without an advocate, will need to remain present virtually to assist the proceedings.
Inquiry and support measures by Sikkim government
The NGT recorded that its power to start cases on its own motion has been recognized by the Supreme Court in a 2021 judgment. An NHPC statement cited in the tribunal’s order described the event as an explosive release of methane trapped or embedded in rocks, which produced smoke and toxic gases. Separately, the Sikkim government has said it has set up a high-level inquiry and announced support for affected families, including ex-gratia assistance for the families of the deceased.
