Context:
- Nine coal miners trapped in a water-filled mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam, since 8 a.m. on January 8, 2025.
- The authorities were informed about the mishap around 2 p.m. on the same day.
Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management)
Rescue Efforts:
- Deep divers from the Navy joined the rescue operations on January 9, 2025.
- The rescue is being led by the Navy team, equipped with deep-diving gear, as the mine contains tunnels requiring specialized equipment.
- Other agencies involved include the Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police.
Mine Conditions:
- The mine is about 20 feet in radius and 300 feet in depth.
- Water level inside the mine has risen to over 100 feet, hindering the rescue efforts.
Casualties and Arrests:
- Three bodies were reportedly seen from the surface, though not yet recovered.
- Punish Nunisa, an individual, was arrested under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
- Police investigation suggests the mine may have been operating illegally.
Historical Context:
- Mining mishaps in the Northeast, particularly Assam, are frequent.
- Recent incidents include:
- January 2024: Fire in a coal mine in Nagaland’s Wokha district killed six workers.
- May 2024: Mine collapse in Assam’s Tinsukia district killed three miners.
- September 2022: Three miners killed by toxic gas in Tinsukia district.
- December 2018: The Ksan coal mine disaster in Meghalaya resulted in 15 deaths.
Investigation and Government Response:
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the mine appeared to be illegal.
- Special Director-General of Police, Harmeet Singh, confirmed that more equipment will be needed for the rescue due to the mine’s tunnel system.
- The incident is being investigated by local authorities, with a focus on the legality of mining activities in the area.
Challenges in Rescue Operations:
- The mine is located in a remote jungle area, about 30 kilometers from the nearest police station in Umrangso.
- Immediate action has been hampered by the high water level, requiring careful and coordinated rescue strategies.
