Eight miners trapped in Assam coal mine, rescue operations in full swing

Guwahati, Jan 10: Rescue efforts are underway at the coal mine in 3 Kilo, Umrongso, where eight miners remain trapped after a tragic accident. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a joint rescue team, comprising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Assam Rifles, is working tirelessly to dewater the flooded mine.

“In three days, the team has successfully dewatered seven meters inside the mine, but 26 meters of water still remain,” Sarma stated. To accelerate the process, a specialized dewatering pump is being transported from Nagpur.

“If the pump functions as expected, dewatering could be completed within 48 hours. However, if it fails, the process may face significant delays due to the complexity of interconnected wells,” Sarma explained.

The Chief Minister confirmed that the mine, abandoned over 12 years ago, was legally operated by the Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDC). The miners’ recent entry into the site was unauthorized and illegal.

“One miner’s body has been recovered, while eight others are still trapped. Police have arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for orchestrating this illegal operation,” Sarma said.

When questioned about the possible involvement of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa, Sarma emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. “So far, Gorlosa’s name has not emerged in the inquiry,” he added.

Calling for unity in the face of adversity, Sarma urged, “This is a human tragedy. Let us not politicize the matter.”

The accident has drawn national attention, with multiple agencies pooling their expertise to rescue the trapped miners. Despite formidable challenges, authorities remain hopeful that the combined efforts will lead to a breakthrough.

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