Rescue teams restart operations after pumping out water and mud from the Teesta Stage VI tunnel, while NHPC announces Rs 5 lakh compensation for each deceased worker’s family
Gangtok: Search and rescue operations resumed on Wednesday at the under-construction Head Race Tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim after water and mud accumulation temporarily halted efforts.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Mines Rescue Team from Asansol and other agencies restarted operations after deploying high-capacity pumps to clear the flooded tunnel.
According to NHPC, 25 personnel were trapped inside the tunnel following the incident. So far, 13 bodies have been recovered, while efforts continue to locate the remaining 12 workers.
In a statement, NHPC said rescue operations are being carried out round the clock in coordination with the district administration, SDRF, Patel Engineering Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited, Western Coalfields Limited and other agencies.
NHPC also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker. “NHPC expresses its profound grief over the tragic loss of lives and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the PSU said.
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