A CORRESPONDENT
HAFLONG: Uncertainty looms large over the fate of the four missing persons since the rescue operation could not be started even after 72 hours of the incident of water pipeline burst in Kopili Hydro Electric Project. Meanwhile, experts from BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board), NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), and BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) have arrived at the site and are trying their best to bring down the water level so that rescue operation and restoration work could be taken up at the earliest. The actual loss due to this incident could not be ascertained as of now.
Four persons, including three employees of the NEEPCO-run Kopili Hydro Electric Power (KHEP) Project, went missing following a burst in a water tunnel near Umrangso early morning on Monday which led to massive flooding at the power project site. The district disaster management authority has kept all the rescue teams ready but as the water level and the speed of its flow is receding at a very low rate, the rescue operation has not been started.
NEEPCO General Manager Debotosh Bhattacharjee, in a press briefing, informed that as of now, they were waiting for the water level to recede because the restoration and rescue operation could not be started due to the severe water force.
Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner Amitabh Rajkhowa, while expressing surprise over the delay in rescue and restoration operation, said he was trying to communicate with the families of the affected persons and to meet them.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Member of NC Hills Autonomous Council, after visiting the NEEPCO site, said, “It was very unfortunate for us that an unwanted incident took place at the Kopili Hydro Power Station, Umrangso just a couple of days ago.” He prayed for their well-being and hoped they would be rescued soon. He assured to pressurize the Central and the State government to immediately look into the matter and to compensate the loss incurred to the people in the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, NCHAC CEM Debolal Gorlosa held a long and thorough discussion with the top officials of NEEPCO, Umrangso regarding the rescue and relief operation. Also prresent on the occasion were other Council Members and MP Horen Sing Bey. The NEEPCO technical team updated the gathering on the efforts taken till date and other special operating procedures (SOPs) being undertaken. Gorlosa also visited the households of the affected families and prayed for everybody’s safety and safe return of the missing persons. The MP also called for a high-level inquiry into the incident.
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