Umrangso: In order to facilitate dewatering of the quarry, nine navy workers have been withdrawn on Tuesday as rescue operations approach its ninth day. According to an official, there is very little hope for the survival of the remaining workers who are still trapped in the quarry.
The dewatering exercise of the 350-feel quarry is being done with specialised machines there were brought in from the ONGC and Coal India.
There has been some progress as the water levels have now receded 3 meters below as compared to the initial water level of 100 feet.
An official stated that it is uncertain when the dewatering process will be complete and search operations inside the quarry would begin as navy workers have been withdrawn from the quarry.
On January 6, nine workers were trapped in the mine after it was suddenly flooded with water from an unknown source. Until now, only four bodies have been recovered while five workers are still trapped.
The official stated that the rescue operations will continue despite the chances of the survival of the workers being slim. A total of nine pumps are being used and six extra pumps have been installed as a precautionary measure.
The rescue operation is a joint effort of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF and the district administration.
As per the claims of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the mine was abandoned 12 years ago. Police are investigating this case and have arrested the leader of the workers.
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