NHPC Limited has appointed Dr. Bernadette Lyngdoh as an Independent Director on its Board, effective July 24, 2026. The appointment, made pursuant to a letter from the Ministry of Power dated July 16, 2026, ensures the company maintains its compliance with regulatory requirements for board composition, specifically regarding the inclusion of women independent directors. This structural update reinforces governance standards at the Navratna enterprise.

The Board of Directors formalized the appointment in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Dr. Lyngdoh, holding DIN 11836182, will serve a term of three years starting from the date of the Ministry’s notification, i.e., July 16, 2026, or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier. The company confirmed that Dr. Lyngdoh is not debarred from holding the office of Director by any order passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or any other authority.

Board Composition Update

The appointment addresses the requirement for diverse representation on the Board. Below are the key details of the appointment:

Professional Profile

Dr. Bernadette Lyngdoh brings over two decades of experience in human resources and corporate affairs to the Board. She currently serves as the Head – HR & Corporate Affairs at Caliche, where she leads human capital strategy, corporate governance support, stakeholder engagement, and people development initiatives. Her professional background spans corporate leadership, academia, and organizational development.

She holds a doctoral qualification from The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad. Her academic work focused on communicative skills in the customer service industry and the international marketplace. This foundation supports her integration of strategic communication, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness into her professional practice. Throughout her career, she has contributed to leadership development, institutional growth, employee engagement, and corporate communication across industry and academic environments.

Governance Implications

The addition of Dr. Lyngdoh to the Board strengthens NHPC Limited’s governance framework by incorporating expertise in organizational culture and inclusive workplace practices. Known for her people-centric leadership approach, she combines strategic vision with practical experience to help organizations develop resilient teams and enhance governance practices. This appointment aligns with the company’s commitment to long-term organizational excellence and sustainable growth, ensuring that the Board benefits from specialized insights into human capital and corporate affairs.

NHPC Limited reported a methane gas explosion at its Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim on July 20, 2026, resulting in casualties and personnel trapped inside the tunnel. A sudden burst of suspected methane gas trapped inside the rocks caused an explosion inside the under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) at Samardung, South Sikkim. The incident occurred at 1.04 P.M., generating dense fumes and toxic gases.

The project team activated emergency response protocols and is coordinating with the district administration, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local authorities. A special rescue team from DG Mines-Safety has also arrived at the site. NHPC's top management is present at the location, supervising rescue operations alongside site engineering teams working round-the-clock to stabilize the tunnel environment.

As per the latest information, 25 personnel were trapped inside the tunnel. The company reported that 10 casualties have been confirmed so far. Efforts are ongoing to evacuate the remaining trapped personnel.

Incident Details

A detailed investigation will be undertaken to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. The company stated it is extending full support to the rescue agencies and the affected families.