Assam Rat-Hole Mine has become the focus of a tragic incident in Dima Hasao district, where several workers are feared trapped after water gushed into a 300-foot-deep coal mine. The illegal mine, located in the remote industrial town of Umrangso near the Meghalaya border, has been inundated with water up to approximately 100 feet, severely hampering rescue operations.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Specialised teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on their way to assist in the rescue mission. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the state has sought assistance from the Army to bolster efforts. “We have requested the Army’s assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. SDRF and NDRF teams are also en route to aid in the efforts,” Sarma stated.
Historical Context Of Similar Tragedies
This incident echoes past tragedies in Meghalaya, highlighting the perils of illegal coal mining. In December 2018, 15 workers were trapped in an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills after water from a nearby river flooded the site. Despite intensive rescue efforts involving the Indian Navy, Army, Air Force, and NDRF, the operation was eventually called off with no survivors.
In 2021, another incident in East Jaintia Hills saw five miners trapped following a dynamite explosion that caused flooding. These repeated accidents underscore the risks and persistent challenges associated with unregulated mining activities.
Illegal Mining And Regulatory Failures
Illegal coal mining has drawn criticism and legal action in recent years. In 2019, the National Green Tribunal imposed a fine of ₹100 crore on the Meghalaya government for failing to curb illegal mining. This penalty reflects the ongoing struggle to enforce regulations and prevent such hazardous activities in the region.
The latest tragedy at the Assam Rat-Hole Mine once again brings into focus the urgent need for stricter oversight and safety measures in mining operations across India.