Guwahati, Jan 18: Assam Minister for Mines and Minerals, Kaushik Rai, distributed ₹10 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic Umrangso coal mine incident at Kalamati, 3-Kilo in Dima Hasao district.
The event, held on Saturday at Umrangso Police Station, was attended by Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), alongside senior officials.
Families of the four deceased victims received ex-gratia cheques of ₹10 lakh each. Meanwhile, families of the five individuals still trapped in the mine were granted ₹6 lakh, with the remaining ₹4 lakh to be disbursed later.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier announced financial aid of ₹10 lakh for each victim’s family, including those whose recovery remains pending. The assistance comprises ₹6 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and ₹4 lakh from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Minister Rai expressed his condolences on behalf of the Chief Minister, stating, “No compensation can ever replace the value of a life, but this assistance aims to offer some relief and solidarity to the bereaved families.” He assured continued government support and emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the tragedy.
Providing updates on rescue efforts, Rai revealed that one crore litres of water are being extracted daily from the flooded mine, though water levels remain high.
He also announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Retired Justice Anima Hazarika will oversee the inquiry, ensuring a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Samsing Engti, Executive Member, NCHAC; Harmeet Singh, Special DGP, Assam and Director, Fire & Emergency Services; Debjyoti Mukharjee, IGP (Central Range), Assam Police; Meenakshi Das Nath, Secretary-cum-Additional CEO, ASDMA; Simanta Kr. Das, District Commissioner and Chairman, DDMA, Dima Hasao; and Mayank Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao.
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