Gangtok: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of the deaths of at least 25 workers in a suspected methane gas release inside an under-construction hydropower tunnel in Sikkim, directing pollution control authorities and the Namchi district administration to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NGT’s Principal Bench has transferred the matter to its Eastern Zonal Bench in Kolkata, which will hear the case on September 3.
The proceedings relate to the July 20 incident at the head race tunnel of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation’s (NHPC) Teesta-VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung in Namchi district.
According to the tribunal’s August 3 order, suspected methane gas suddenly escaped from rocks inside the tunnel, producing dense smoke and toxic gases and creating hazardous conditions. Rescue and stabilisation operations were subsequently launched.
At least 25 workers were killed in the incident, while rescue operations were also undertaken for workers trapped inside the tunnel.
The tribunal took cognisance of a newspaper report on the incident and directed the District Collector of Namchi, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Sikkim Pollution Control Board and the regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Kolkata to file their responses by affidavit.
The NGT said the incident raised environmental concerns, including alleged illegal felling of trees in forest areas and possible violations of environmental and air pollution laws.
The respondents have been directed to submit their replies to the Eastern Zonal Bench at least a week before the next hearing. Respondents filing replies directly rather than through an advocate will also have to remain present virtually to assist the tribunal, the order said.
The tribunal noted that its power to initiate proceedings on its own motion had been recognised by the Supreme Court in its 2021 judgment in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs Ankita Sinha and Others.
According to an NHPC statement cited in the tribunal’s order, the incident occurred when suspected methane gas trapped or embedded in rocks was released explosively inside the tunnel.
The sudden release generated dense smoke and toxic gases, making conditions inside the tunnel hazardous and prompting rescue and stabilisation operations.
The Sikkim government has also constituted a high-level inquiry into the incident and announced assistance for the affected families, including ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased.
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