20 dead after blast at under-construction tunnel in Sikkim
Methane-related blast at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim highlights tunnelling safety risks in fragile Himalayan terrain.
- A blast at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim caused deaths and trapped workers.
- Methane gas was involved in the tunnel blast and complicated the rescue effort.
- Rescue operations were underway in difficult conditions.
What happened
A blast at an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim caused multiple deaths and left several workers trapped. The tunnel accident involved methane gas, and rescue operations were underway under difficult conditions.
Tunnel projects in mountain regions carry distinct safety risks. In fragile terrain, construction work can face ventilation problems, gas build-up, unstable slopes, and delayed rescue access.
UPSC may frame this incident around the trade-off between infrastructure expansion and safety regulation, especially in difficult geological terrain. A mains answer can examine tunnelling risks, methane accumulation, site supervision, emergency preparedness, and the need for stricter construction protocols in the Himalayas.
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