Uttarakhand flood: NTPC working on modalities for compensation

New Delhi: "NTPC Limited has fast-tracked all modalities and procedures required for distribution of compensation to the immediate families of those who lost their lives in the natural disaster that struck Tapovan project in Chamoli District on February 7 even as rescue operation continues in full swing with high-end machinery" the Maharatna power PSU said in an official statement released on Monday.

While NTPC is extending a compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the immediate family of the contract labourers of the agency engaged in the construction of NTPC project, the State and Central Governments have separately announced a compensation package of Rs 4 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively. Further, compensation against PF and Employees' Compensation Act covered under statutory provisions of the workers in the range of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh will also be made available.

A dedicated taskforce from NTPC has been working round-the-clock on the modalities including collating necessary information with regard to every missing worker and liaisoning with District Administration in order to fast-track compensation distribution.

The rescue operation at NTPC's Tapovan Vishnugad project continues in full swing, also extensive coordinated work being carried out by multiple agencies to reach those trapped in the tunnel. The real-time information is being shared with all agencies involved in the rescue operation to avoid any delays.

More than 325 personnel including engineers, officers, geologists, scientists, security officials from NTPC, THDC, CISF, UPNL and other associates are at the site and constantly engaged in rescue operations. There is also continuous support from district administration, ITBP, BRO, NDRF, SDRF, Army, state PWD, SJVN and RVNL.

While dedicated teams from NTPC are managing the entire rescue operation behind the scene by assisting the rescue teams, the company airlifted machinery including high-end submersible slush removal pumps to increase the pace of operation. The diversion of river course from the left bank to right bank and approach to the de-silting basin from upstream is also being done. The diversion of the river course is necessary to ensure that water from Dhauliganga doesn't enter the tunnel. All required machinery for the rescue operation is currently available while the requirement for any additional resources is being met on a war footing.

ALSO READ: Uttarakhand flash flood caused the loss of Rs 1,500 cr at NTPC Tapovan project site: RK Singh

So far, mucking in intake Adit Tunnel has reached 155 meters while a 300 mm diameter, 12 meters deep borehole was drilled in Intake Adit to puncture silt Flushing Tunnel below Adit late yesterday. The water level in the borehole is under observations for a further action plan.

It is to be noted here that the project stood like a rock and took much of the pact of the flash flood, thus helping save the nearby villages from the fury caused by unprecedented snowfall that triggered an avalanche in the valley. In addition, the NTPC engineering teams close coordination with rescue teams could help them comprehend the design of tunnels, thus helping them save 12 lives on Day One.

A public Information centre, lodging and boarding, food, and medical facilities are being provided by NTPC near the rescue site to kith and kin of those stuck inside the tunnel.

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