NTPC Koldam Halts Power Generation to Save Children Trapped in Sutlej, Incurs Crores in Losses
Two innocent children trapped in Sutlej river
Bilaspur, May 15
A rare and deeply moving incident unfolded yesterday evening in Khangar village of Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh — a powerful reminder that nothing is more precious than the lives of innocent children. As the water level of the Sutlej River suddenly surged, two of three children playing near the riverbank became stranded on a mid-river island. The situation was critical, but what followed was an extraordinary and unprecedented decision in the history of large power projects in India: NTPC Koldam halted power generation to facilitate their rescue.
Had there been even a slight delay in response, the children’s lives could have been lost. Around 5 p.m., three children — Krish Chandel, son of Manish Chandel; Anuj, son of Virendra; and a young girl — were playing on a sandbank near the river. As the water level rose suddenly, a panicked Krish and Anuj managed to climb onto a small island, while the girl reached the shore in time. Hearing the children’s cries, the villagers quickly raised the alarm.
Anjana Kumari, the local ward member, acted swiftly and responsibly, contacting the Head of Project at NTPC Koldam. Responding without delay, NTPC management closed the intake gates, gradually reducing the water flow. As the current weakened, local resident Rajendra Kumar bravely ventured into the river using ropes and, putting his own life at risk, reached the island to rescue both children safely. The boys had been stranded for nearly two hours.
NTPC’s humanitarian decision came at a significant cost. Shutting down the plant led to losses worth several crores and disrupted power supply. However, the company demonstrated that it places human life above all else. Villagers praised NTPC’s prompt and compassionate response, emphasizing that had the flow not been reduced in time, saving the children would have been impossible. Rajendra Kumar’s courage and humanity were also widely lauded.
Speaking to MBM News Network, NTPC Koldam management confirmed that the hydropower plant remained shut until the children were safely rescued, directly impacting electricity supply and forcing load shedding. The company faced substantial penalties and production losses — yet chose to act in favor of humanity, disregarding financial implications.
NTPC has also appealed to the public to exercise caution around water bodies. They clarified that the plant operates strictly according to a set timetable, and sudden increases in water levels are highly unlikely under normal circumstances.
This incident is more than just a successful rescue — it stands as a compelling example of responsible corporate conduct and a powerful lesson for industries and administrators across the country: when human lives are at stake, no cost is too high.
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