West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday, 21 July reached out to Sikkim's leadership following the deadly collapse of an under-construction tunnel at the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project site in Samardung, Jholungey area, Namchi district, pledging full state cooperation in rescue and relief efforts. At least 10 people were killed and several others remain trapped after the tunnel caved in on Monday, according to reports.

What Happened at the Tunnel Site

The tragedy struck at the under-construction tunnel of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Namchi district of Sikkim. According to reports, a methane gas explosion triggered the collapse, trapping an unknown number of workers inside. Search-and-rescue operations to evacuate those still underground were ongoing as of Tuesday. The incident has drawn urgent attention from both state governments given the cross-border composition of the workforce.

Bengal CM Speaks to Sikkim Counterpart

Adhikari confirmed he spoke directly by telephone with Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to assess the situation on the ground. In a post on X, Adhikari said he was 'Deeply pained and concerned by the tragic tunnel collapse at the under-construction site of the NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project at Samardung; Jholungey, in Namchi District of Sikkim.'

'I have spoken personally with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang Ji over the telephone to take stock of the situation. We are closely monitoring the developments, as there is a strong possibility that some of the affected workers belong to our Jalpaiguri district,' Adhikari said.

West Bengal's On-Ground Response

Adhikari announced that state Minister Bishal Lama and the District Magistrate of Darjeeling were personally rushing to the incident site to provide immediate assistance and coordinate relief efforts. Bengal's Home Secretary has been placed in continuous contact with the Sikkim administration for real-time updates on rescue operations.

'Furthermore, our Home Secretary is in constant touch with the Sikkim Administration and is continuously getting updated regarding the rescue operations. I have assured the Hon'ble Sikkim Chief Minister of all possible cooperation and support from the Government of West Bengal during this difficult hour,' Adhikari said.

Concern for Workers from West Bengal

A significant dimension of Bengal's response is the likelihood that workers from Jalpaiguri district are among those affected. Infrastructure projects in Sikkim routinely draw labour from the plains and hill districts of neighbouring West Bengal, making such cross-border tragedies a recurring concern for both administrations. Adhikari said his thoughts were with the families of the victims and called for the speedy recovery of the injured and safe rescue of those still trapped.

What Comes Next

Rescue teams continue to work at the Samardung site as authorities attempt to account for all workers. The involvement of Bengal's senior officials on the ground signals that the casualty and missing-persons count could rise as more information emerges. The NHPC's Teesta Stage VI project, a major hydroelectric undertaking in the ecologically sensitive northeastern region, is now likely to face scrutiny over tunnel construction safety protocols.