Assam Cabinet Approves Compensation for Families of Flooded Coal Mine Victims

GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet has sanctioned a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of four workers whose bodies were recovered from a flooded coal mine in the Dima Hasao district, along with similar compensation for five others who remain unaccounted for despite extensive rescue operations lasting over ten days. This decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, after the tragic incident that happened on January 6, when around 40 workers were trapped in the illegal mine after it was inundated.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spoke to the media, saying the prospects of finding survivors are slim considering the passage of time since the flooding. He announced the formation of a judicial commission headed by retired High Court judge Anima Hazarika to investigate the incident and fix accountability, with a report expected within three months. It has also directed the Assam Police chief, GP Singh, to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into possible criminal negligence, which shall be supervised by the judicial commission.

Sarma said that about 220 illegal mines are currently operating in the region and stated that satellite imagery will be used to evaluate those sites. He emphasized that the filling of these mines should be done in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi. The flooded mine had about 140 million liters of water, of which about 100 million liters remain. Dewatering will continue with the support of the Army until the situation is brought under control.

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