Sikkim forms High-Level Committee to probe Samardung tunnel explosion after bodies of 25 workers recovered
Government of Sikkim sets up a four-member High-Level Committee to investigate the cause of an explosion in an under-construction NHPC tunnel at Samardung, and
The Government of Sikkim has constituted a four-member High Level Committee to investigate the explosion inside the under-construction ADIT-III tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydro Electric Project at Samardung, Jholungey, in Namchi District. The incident occurred on July 20, and rescue operations continued for 72 hours.
Committee to examine cause, safety rules and gas build-up
The Home Department notification, issued on July 22 by order of the Governor, states that an inquiry is needed in the interest of public safety to identify what led to the incident and to suggest measures to prevent recurrence. The committee is chaired by Tashi Wangyal, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Sikkim Police. Other members include Phigu Tshering Bhutia, Principal Director, Mines and Geology Department, and Keshar Luitel, Additional Director, Mines and Geology Department. Tenzing Loden Lepcha, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, CID, Sikkim Police, will serve as member secretary.
According to the notification, the committee has four key mandates. It will look into the exact cause, nature and sequence of events leading to the explosion-like incident and the following gas build-up inside the tunnel. It is also required to examine whether safety norms, standard operating procedures, and relevant legal provisions were followed at the time of the incident. This includes requirements under the Mines Act, 1952, Tunnel Safety Guidelines, and Explosives Rules, 2008, focusing on ventilation systems, gas detection arrangements, and use of PPE.
Ventilation and detection systems part of inquiry
The committee will further assess the adequacy and functioning of gas detection sensors, ventilation fans and emergency exhaust systems inside the tunnel. It will also determine the type and source of the gas that leaked, and may examine any other matter it considers fit during the inquiry. The committee has been directed to submit its report, with findings and recommendations, within fifteen days from the date of issue of the notification.
NHPC said the incident took place at 1:04 PM on July 20. It reported a sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped in rock formations, triggering an explosion and filling the tunnel with dense fumes and toxic gases. All 25 workers reported to have been trapped inside the tunnel were recovered after a multi-agency rescue operation. The operation involved NDRF, SDRF, Sikkim Police, specialised coal mining rescue experts, and teams from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Asansol, along with a special rescue team from DG Mines-Safety.
In response to the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced ex-gratia support of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for each injured person. The Prime Minister also announced Rs 2 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for injured persons. The Sikkim Assembly observed a two-minute silence, and central leaders spoke to the Chief Minister, assuring assistance. A high-level review meeting was chaired by the Chief Secretary in Namchi, with district administration, rescue agencies, NHPC and Patel Engineering present.
