Gangtok, July 21: A landslide at the under-construction Samardung tunnel in Sikkim’s southern district has raised concerns for the safety of approximately 27 workers who are believed to be trapped inside. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, prompting immediate rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim police, and fire and emergency services.
The landslide took place around 3:09 PM at the Samardung tunnel, which is being constructed by Patel Engineering as part of the Teesta Stage-6 hydroelectric project.
Initial reports indicate that the tunnel was suddenly blocked by a landslide, trapping several workers inside. The situation worsened when methane gas began to leak within the tunnel, making it extremely hazardous for rescue teams to enter.
District Collector Anupa Tamling stated that upon receiving news of the incident, NDRF teams stationed in Siliguri and Pakyong were immediately alerted.
She mentioned, “The incident occurred around 3:09 PM. We informed the NDRF and SDRF teams as we were en route to Samardung. Fire department personnel and police attempted to enter the tunnel twice without specialized safety equipment but were unable to reach the trapped individuals due to the dangerous conditions inside.”
Tamling explained that the high levels of methane gas have significantly complicated the rescue efforts. The first NDRF team successfully evacuated fire personnel who had entered the tunnel after the incident. Subsequently, a second NDRF team entered the tunnel, and rescue operations are ongoing.
According to officials, the gas levels are so elevated that rescuers have yet to reach the area where the workers are believed to be trapped. Many rescuers had to retreat before establishing contact with those inside.
The administration has not yet determined the exact cause of the landslide. The District Collector noted that some workers who managed to escape reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound from within the tunnel, prompting them to flee. However, several others remain trapped inside.
The exact number of trapped individuals has not been confirmed. Tamling stated, “Initial information suggests that about 19 workers were trapped. Later, three employees from Patel Engineering entered the tunnel for rescue, two of whom also became trapped. This raises the total number of individuals potentially inside to 21. Additionally, six employees from NHPC are also reported to be inside, bringing the total to 27. The actual number could be lower or higher.”
She emphasized that until the NDRF team reaches the precise location of the trapped individuals, the situation inside cannot be verified.
The district administration has made it clear that their top priority is to safely rescue all individuals trapped within the tunnel.
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