Assam Coal Mine Tragedy: Rescuers Battle Time and Water to Save Miners in Dima Hasao

Umrangso: Rescue operations at a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district faced challenges on Wednesday as one body was recovered, identified as Ganga Bahadur Srestho from Nepal.

Eight miners remain trapped, with hopes of their survival diminishing. A joint team, including the Army, Navy, and disaster response forces, has been working to rescue the miners. However, murky and acidic water in the mine has complicated the effort.

Special DGP Harmeet Singh highlighted difficulties in draining the mine, noting that the water level remains high due to an apparent underground connection to another water source.

Despite deploying advanced equipment like a Navy-operated remote underwater vehicle, no additional bodies or signs of the trapped miners have been located.

The incident has sparked political criticism, with attention turning to the legality of the mine. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged indications of illegal mining, putting the BJP-led state government and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council under scrutiny.

Opposition leader Gaurav Gogoi demanded an investigation, criticizing the continuation of illegal rat-hole mining in Assam despite a ban by the National Green Tribunal. The tragedy underscores ongoing issues with unregulated mining practices in the region, raising concerns over safety and enforcement.

Efforts to rescue eight trapped miners in Assam continue with dewatering aided by heavy-duty pumps. Rescuers from the Army, Navy, and NDRF are searching tirelessly. Meanwhile, political parties, including the Asom Jatiya Parishad and Congress, have demanded a high-level inquiry into the illegal rat-hole mining banned by the Supreme Court and NGT.

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