Dima Hasao, Assam: A devastating incident unfolded in Assam’s Dima Hasao district as 18 workers were trapped inside a “rat hole” coal mine after water flooded the shaft. The mine, located 300 feet underground in the remote industrial town of Umrangso, saw the water level rise to approximately 100 feet, trapping the workers inside.
Authorities have mobilized rescue teams to the scene, and efforts are underway to pump water out of the mine using motor pumps. Police, along with specialized rescue teams, are actively working to reach the trapped miners. In addition, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been dispatched to assist with the ongoing rescue operation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the state has requested support from the Indian Army to aid in the rescue mission.
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Environmental Hazards of “Rat Hole” Mining
The “rat hole” mining method, which involves digging narrow, vertical shafts to access coal seams, is considered extremely hazardous. Local reports suggest that these mines often lead to deep pits, and the coal extraction process releases toxic acidic water and heavy metals. Environmental experts have raised concerns about the long-term environmental damage caused by these practices, including contamination of local water sources and harm to agricultural land.
We have requested the Army’s assistance in the ongoing rescue operation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also on their way to the incident site to aid in the efforts. https://t.co/35ET3f80jr
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 6, 2025
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated mining. In 2018, a similar tragedy occurred in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, when 15 miners were trapped after water flooded an illegal coal mine. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) later confirmed that only two bodies were recovered from the site.
Government Response and Past Legal Actions
In response to ongoing illegal mining practices, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a Rs 100 crore fine on the Meghalaya government in 2019 for failing to curb illegal coal mining, which was found to be severely damaging the environment. The NGT’s investigation revealed that the majority of the state’s approximately 24,000 coal mines were operating illegally, often under unsafe conditions.
Authorities continue to grapple with the safety and environmental risks posed by these unregulated mining activities, as the latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations.