A per the press release shared by NHPC on X, A tragic incident occurred on 20 July 2026 at 1:04 PM inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) at Samardung of the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project in South Sikkim, due to the sudden explosion of suspected methane gas trapped/embedded within the rocks. The explosion resulted in dense smoke and the release of toxic gases.

The project team immediately activated its emergency response protocols. The project team is working in coordination with the District Administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local authorities, and other emergency agencies to assist in the rescue operations. In addition, a specialized rescue team from the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) has also reached the site to support the rescue efforts. Our site engineering teams are working round the clock in coordination with the authorities to stabilize the tunnel environment and facilitate the rescue operations.

NHPC’s top management has reached the site and is working closely with the rescue teams and local authorities. Every possible effort is being made to safely evacuate the trapped personnel.

According to the latest information received from the site, 25 personnel were trapped inside the tunnel, of whom 10 have been reported dead so far.

A detailed investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the incident. We remain committed to extending full cooperation to the rescue agencies and the affected families.

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