Guwahati: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday visited the site of the tunnel collapse at the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district, where 10 people have lost their lives following Monday’s landslide.
The Chief Minister reviewed the rescue operation and received updates from officials supervising the mission at the ADIT-3 tunnel in Samardung, Jholungey, where workers and project staff were trapped after the collapse.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur also inspected the site to assess the ongoing operation. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed all agencies involved to continue rescue efforts with urgency while taking every precaution to ensure the safety of personnel working in the unstable area.
Officials confirmed that the bodies of 10 victims have been recovered from the collapsed tunnel. Rescue teams remain at the site as operations continue under difficult conditions.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Minister Tamang to review the situation and enquire about the progress of the rescue mission. Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, the Prime Minister extended his sympathies to the families of those who died.
Modi also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), sanctioning Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for every injured person.
Following the conversation, Tamang said on X that the Prime Minister had assured the state of full support from the Centre during the crisis. He said the assurance and concern shown by the Prime Minister had provided confidence and encouragement to the people of Sikkim.
Rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), district administration, Sikkim Police, Fire and Emergency Services, medical teams and local volunteers.
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to extending every possible assistance to the affected families while ensuring that rescue operations continue without interruption.