Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on July 21 expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of seven workers inside an under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Jholungey, Namchi district, and directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations while maintaining strict safety standards.
In a statement, Tamang said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the workers who have lost their lives. In this hour of grief, the thoughts and prayers of the entire State are with the bereaved families, and we stand firmly by them during this difficult time,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he was closely monitoring the rescue operation and praised the personnel involved in the challenging mission.
Teams from the district administration, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Sikkim Police, State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services, National Disaster Response Force units from Pakyong and Siliguri, and other specialised agencies have been deployed to recover the bodies of workers still trapped inside the tunnel.
Tamang directed all concerned authorities to provide every possible assistance, speed up the rescue operation and ensure that the highest safety standards were followed throughout the mission.
“I appreciate the dedication and courage of all personnel involved in this challenging rescue mission,” he said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to people to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information, urging them to keep the affected workers and their families in their prayers.
The tragedy occurred after a reported methane gas explosion triggered a landslide inside the tunnel, trapping several workers. According to the latest official information, seven workers have died, while rescue operations continue under hazardous conditions to recover those still trapped inside.
