NEW DELHI: The death toll from the coal mine disaster in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has risen to four, following the recovery of three additional bodies on January 11. Rescue operations are still underway as five miners remain trapped in the flooded rat-hole coal mine in the Umrangso area, with authorities racing against time to locate survivors.
The disaster occurred on January 6, when a sudden surge of water from an abandoned, waterlogged mine breached the active site, trapping nine workers approximately 300 feet below the surface. The first victim, identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth, was recovered on January 8. The subsequent recoveries have brought the total confirmed fatalities to four, while hopes for the remaining miners diminish with each passing day.
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The rescue operation, involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and specialized teams from Coal India, faces significant challenges. High-capacity pumps have been deployed to dewater the mine, and water levels have been reduced by more than half. However, the narrow, unstable tunnels and the risk of further collapses have slowed progress. Experts have expressed concerns over the safety of rescuers, emphasizing the urgent need for better infrastructure and safety protocols in such operations.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the mine was operating illegally, a widespread issue in India’s northeastern regions, particularly in Meghalaya and Assam. Rat-hole mining, characterized by narrow, unregulated tunnels, poses severe risks to workers and the environment. This practice continues despite being banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014. Authorities have arrested at least one individual linked to the operation, and further investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the illegal activities.
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The tragedy has reignited debates about the enforcement of mining regulations and the accountability of local authorities. Environmental activists and labor rights groups have called for stricter oversight and the implementation of sustainable mining practices to prevent such disasters.
In 2019, a similar incident in Meghalaya claimed the lives of 15 miners, highlighting systemic issues in India’s mining sector. The Assam coal mine disaster serves as another grim reminder of the human cost of illegal and unregulated mining.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on recovering the remaining miners and providing support to their families. The incident has also prompted discussions on strengthening safety standards, enhancing rescue capabilities, and ensuring that mining operations adhere to legal and environmental norms.