Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the collapse of an under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district of Sikkim and announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims and their families.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he was anguished by the tragedy and extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs. 50,000 as financial assistance.
Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said Prime Minister Modi spoke to him following the incident to enquire about the situation and review the ongoing rescue operations.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister expressed concern for the affected workers and their families and assured every possible assistance from the Government of India. He said the Prime Minister’s support had provided strength and reassurance to the people of Sikkim during this difficult time.
The Chief Minister said rescue and relief operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), district administration, local police, medical teams from Rangpo Primary Health Centre, and members of the local community, who are working in close coordination to assist those affected.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Sikkim, Tamang thanked the Prime Minister for his continued support, concern and solidarity with the state, and acknowledged the Centre’s commitment to extending all possible assistance during the ongoing rescue efforts.
