GUWAHATI, Jan 7: Rescue operations at the flooded illegal coal mine in Umrongso, located in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, were suspended for the day at 6 PM and will resume early Wednesday morning. Despite combined efforts from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, Navy, Assam Rifles, and Fire & Emergency Services, no bodies have been recovered, and over 11 miners remain trapped since Monday morning.
An NDRF official confirmed that a deep diver from the Eastern Naval Command joined the efforts this afternoon to support the ongoing mission. The 35-member NDRF team began operations early Tuesday under the supervision of Commandant HPS Kandari. However, water levels inside the mine—reaching up to 100 feet—have significantly hindered progress.
According to local sources, 27 miners were initially trapped in the illegal mining site, but 10 managed to escape. Between 13 and 17 miners remain unaccounted for, with three bodies reportedly sighted but yet to be recovered due to high water levels and logistical challenges.
The trapped miners, ranging in age from 26 to 57, include residents from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal. They are- Ganga Bahadur Shreth (38), Nepal; Hussain Ali (30), Assam; Jakir Hussain (38), Assam; Sarpa Barman (46), Assam; Mustafa Seikh (44), Assam; Khusi Mohan Rai (57), Assam; Sanjit Sarkar (35), West Bengal; Lijan Magar (26), Assam and Sarat Goyary (37), Assam.
Police have arrested Punish Nunisa, the mine’s alleged owner and cousin of Konika Hojaia, wife of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa.
The mine has been operating illegally, reportedly under the administration’s notice.
An FIR under Umrangso PS case no. 02/2025 has been filed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the mine’s illegal status.
There was also an inordinate delay in launching the rescue efforts, which began nearly 24 hours after the incident.
The Navy team is now spearheading the rescue efforts. https://t.co/IRIyde93AQ pic.twitter.com/GcHyoribrw
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 7, 2025
Sarma also wrote, “I also spoke to Union Coal Minister, Kishan Reddy seeking assistance for our rescue operation in Umrongso. He has promptly issued directions to Coal India HQ to extend full support to the Assam government in this mission. My sincere gratitude to him for his swift response and support.”
A Defence spokesperson said rising water levels and complex underground flooding hinder progress. The lack of immediate preparedness from the district administration has drawn criticism.
The rescue teams are expected to intensify efforts on Wednesday with the assistance of Navy divers and Coal India. The situation remains critical, with families awaiting news of the miners still trapped underground.
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