Family of Kerala Geologist Anish Mohan Fears for His Life After Sikkim Tunnel Collapse

Doha, Qatar Jul 22, 2026 ALN: The family of Anish Mohan, a 43-year-old geologist from Kerala, is grappling with a devastating situation as he remains trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Sikkim. The incident has raised significant concerns about his safety and well-being, and his family is increasingly losing hope for his survival. Anish's brother, Binish Mohan, expressed the family's anguish and the challenges faced by rescue teams at the accident site. He emphasized the dire circumstances, stating that the rescue operation appears to be extremely difficult.

Binish articulated the precarious nature of the situation, noting that toxic gas leaks have complicated efforts to reach Anish. "We only know their location inside the tunnel. Toxic gas leak has made entry difficult. Besides, we understand that the pipe carrying oxygen supply has burst following the landslide. It would be a miracle if he returns alive," he said. These statements underline the hazardous conditions that the rescue teams are facing as they attempt to reach those trapped.

In response to the tragic news, Binish, who works as an engineer in Dubai, swiftly flew back to India. He arrived in Sikkim alongside Anish's wife, Sangeetha, her brother Sanal, and a close friend. The group has been actively engaging with officials from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) at the site to gather information and support the rescue efforts. This involvement highlights the emotional toll the incident has taken on the family and the urgency they feel in seeking updates on Anish's status.

Anish Mohan serves as a Senior Geologist (Remote Sensing) at NHPC, and he was reportedly not supposed to be in the tunnel at the time of the incident. According to Binish, Anish was asked to accompany a team of consultants from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) into the tunnel for a visit. This unexpected directive placed him in harm's way, leading to the tragic circumstances that have unfolded. Such incidents raise questions about the decision-making processes and safety protocols that govern the operations of large-scale engineering projects.

The rescue operations have proven to be complex and fraught with challenges. Binish described the situation, stating, "The rescue operations are complicated. They are trying all possible options. The path is flooded due to the landslide. They are pumping off water. Toxic gas has filled the tunnel and with the oxygen supply gone, chances are slim for survival." This account highlights the multifaceted nature of the rescue efforts, which involve not only navigating the physical obstacles but also addressing the health risks posed by toxic gases.

Anish and Sangeetha had recently relocated from Haryana to Sikkim following his transfer to the region for work. Sangeetha had returned to her family home in Tripunithra for the delivery of their second child, while Anish visited his mother and newborn in February. Anish hails from Illivalavu, a locality in Manarcad, Kottayam, and has been employed with NHPC since 2011. His parents, Mohanan and Amminikutty, reside in Illivalavu, and they are also dealing with the emotional turmoil of the situation. The family's distress is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Anish's fate and the lack of clear communication about the rescue efforts.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Anish Mohan was a well-known science vlogger, sharing his passion for science through his YouTube channel, "Scientific Malayali." His last video was uploaded just ten days before the incident, showcasing his commitment to education and public engagement in scientific topics. Anish's academic background is notable; he completed both his graduation and post-graduation at Government College, Nattakom, where he was recognized as a rank holder. His research in Glaciology at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) further underscores his expertise in the field. This aspect of his life illustrates the multifaceted nature of Anish as both a professional and a passionate educator, and it adds a layer of complexity to the emotional impact of his potential loss on the community and his followers.

The family received notification of the incident late on Monday night. According to an official statement from NHPC, the collapse occurred at 1:04 PM inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of the NHPC Teesta Stage - 4 hydro-electric project located in Samardung, South Sikkim. Preliminary investigations suggest that a sudden burst of methane gas, which was trapped within the rocks, led to an explosion. This explosion generated dense fumes and toxic gases, creating a hazardous environment for those inside the tunnel. The nature of the incident raises critical concerns about gas monitoring and the geological assessments conducted prior to such projects, which are essential to ensure the safety of workers in potentially volatile environments.

Reports indicate that approximately 25 personnel are trapped within the tunnel, and the NHPC project team is actively coordinating with the District Administration, the State Disaster Response Force, and various emergency response agencies to facilitate rescue operations. The collaboration between these entities is critical in addressing the complexities of the situation and ensuring that all possible measures are taken to locate and rescue those trapped. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the seriousness of the incident and the urgency with which it is being handled, but it also highlights the systemic challenges that can arise in emergency response scenarios.

As the rescue operations continue, the implications of such incidents are profound, not only for the families involved but also for the broader context of safety in construction and engineering projects. The incident raises questions about the protocols in place for ensuring the safety of personnel working in high-risk environments, particularly in the context of hydroelectric projects where geological factors can pose significant risks. It also highlights the importance of comprehensive training and preparedness for emergency situations, which are essential in mitigating the risks associated with such high-stakes work.

The emotional toll on families like that of Anish Mohan is immense, as they navigate uncertainty and fear for their loved ones. The community's response and support during such crises can play a vital role in providing comfort and solidarity to those affected. As rescue efforts persist, the hope remains that Anish and his colleagues will be found safe, and that lessons learned from this incident will contribute to improved safety measures in the future. The potential long-term impacts on the families of the trapped individuals, as well as the broader implications for workplace safety regulations, are issues that will require careful consideration in the aftermath of this tragedy.