Ranchi, July 24: Grief swept across several villages in Jharkhand on Thursday after four workers from the state were confirmed among those killed in the catastrophic tunnel collapse at the under construction Teesta Stage-VI Hydropower Project in Namchi, Sikkim, with the tragedy once again highlighting the issue of migration driven by unemployment.
According to officials, all 25 workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel are reportedly dead, while the bodies of 22 workers have been recovered so far.
The deceased from Jharkhand have been identified as Jageshwar Thakur of Barhi in Hazaribagh district, Krishna Sahu and Vikas Kandulna of Rania block in Khunti district, and Masih Barjo of Bandgaon in West Singhbhum district.
Krishna Sahu had been working at the hydropower project for the past three years and had visited his family earlier this month. His elder brother identified his body after it was recovered from the tunnel and informed the family.
His family said the tragedy reflected the harsh reality faced by many young people in Jharkhand.
“Due to the lack of local employment, young people are forced to migrate to other states for work,” family members said, adding that “Krishna’s death has shattered our family’s hopes forever.”
Vikas Kandulna had returned to the project site in May after visiting his native village in February. Recalling their last conversation, his wife said, “He had said that he wanted to educate his children well.”
Administrative officials and public representatives visited the homes of the deceased on Thursday to console the bereaved families and assured them of all possible assistance under government provisions.
The district administration said efforts were being expedited to bring the bodies of the deceased back to Jharkhand after post-mortem examinations were completed in Sikkim.
The incident has also reignited concerns over the large-scale migration of workers from Jharkhand in search of employment.
Khunti Zila Parishad Chairman Masih Gudiya urged the government to create more employment opportunities within the state.
“Serious efforts should be made to provide employment to the state’s youth within their own state,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, BJP leader Anand Kumar said the lack of local employment was forcing young people to take up hazardous jobs outside the state.
“Due to lack of employment, youth are forced to take up risky jobs in other states. This is why they are becoming victims of such accidents on a regular basis,” he said.
The tragedy has intensified calls for stronger employment generation in Jharkhand, with local leaders and bereaved families stressing that sustainable livelihood opportunities within the state are essential to reduce migration and prevent similar incidents in the future.
