Kolkata, July 21 (IANS). West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday expressed concern over the tragic incident of tunnel collapse in the neighboring state of Sikkim and assured all possible help to the Sikkim government.
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At least 10 people were killed while several others were trapped inside when an under-construction tunnel of NHPC’s Teesta Stage VI Hydro Electric Project collapsed in Sikkim’s Namchi district on Monday.
The West Bengal Chief Minister said that he spoke to his Sikkim counterpart on phone to take stock of the situation. He also said that some of the affected workers could be from West Bengal.
“I have personally spoken to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang over phone to take stock of the situation. We are closely monitoring the developments as there is a strong possibility that some of the affected workers may be from our own Jalpaiguri,” the official said.
State minister Vishal Lama and Darjeeling District Magistrate are personally visiting the site to provide immediate assistance and ensure coordination at the ground level, he said.
“Furthermore, our Home Secretary is in constant touch with the Sikkim administration and is constantly taking updates about the rescue operations. I have assured the Honorable Chief Minister of Sikkim of all possible cooperation and support from the Government of West Bengal in this difficult time,” the official said.
“My thoughts are with the families of the victims. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safe rescue of all those still trapped,” the chief minister said.
According to reports, the tragedy occurred due to methane gas explosion in the tunnel at Samardung in Jholunge area of Namchi district. Search and rescue operations are underway to rescue the remaining trapped labourers.
–IANS
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