Methane explosion in Sikkim's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project tunnel kills 25 workers, highlighting Himalayan fragility
A sudden explosion of suspected methane trapped in rocks killed 25 workers in an under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Samardung, Sikkim. Preliminary reports suggest the workers hit methane-trapping rocks during drilling, causing the flammable gas to explode upon mixing with air and encountering an ignition source. Methane deposits are common in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and geological formations. The incident underscores the fragility of the Himalayas, prone to tectonic instability, earthquakes, and landslides, exacerbated by heavy construction, tourism, and climate change. Previous projects in Sikkim have also suffered due to extreme weather events and geological instability.
Key Points
- A methane explosion in the Head Race Tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim killed 25 workers.
- The incident is attributed to workers hitting methane-trapping rocks during drilling, leading to an explosion.
- Methane deposits are found in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and fragile geological formations.
- The disaster highlights the geological instability of the Himalayas, exacerbated by construction, climate change, and other factors.
Exam Facts
- Location: Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim.
- Project: NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project.
- Number of deaths: 25 workers.
- Cause: Suspected methane explosion.
- Geological Survey of India identified coal reserves of 1.40 lakh tonnes in southern Sikkim.
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