Dehradun, Aug. 17 -- Workers at the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) tunnel in Chamoli have expressed anger over the compensation announced by the public sector undertaking, calling it inadequate. THDC India Ltd (THDCIL) has announced an ex gratia of Rs.5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs.1 lakh to each injured worker following the accident at the under-construction tunnel. In a statement, THDCIL said its management expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased workers. The state government has also announced a compensation of Rs.4 lakh for the families of the deceased. Rajendra Hatwal, a former gram pradhan in Chamoli, said the compensation announced by THDCIL was inadequate. "The compensation announced by THDCIL is very less. The lives of the workers cannot be valued at such a low amount. Each deceased worker's family should receive Rs.1 crore as financial assistance. Those who have been permanently disabled in the accident should also receive the same compensation. The executing company should bear the education expenses of the children of those who died. The injured should be given Rs.5 lakh, and a high-level inquiry should be conducted and action taken against those responsible," Ankush Negi, a worker said. Another worker has alleged water seepage was in the tunnel before the incident, but no action was taken. Ajay Verma, executive director of the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) of THDC India Ltd, said the Rs.5 lakh compensation was for the next of kin of the deceased, while Rs.1 lakh would be given to the injured. "The executing agency, Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), will also provide the same compensation separately," he said. "The state government has also announced compensation for the deceased, and Garhwal MP Anil Baluni has also promised compensation through the PM Relief Fund," Verma said. He added that representatives of the workers met disaster management minister Madan Kaushik on Saturday and were assured of all possible help. "During the discussion, an understanding was reached with the workers," he said. On allegations that water was leaking from the tunnel roof before the incident and that no action was taken, Verma said water ingress and seepage were common in underground tunnels during the monsoon....