Guwahati, Jan 13: Rescue operations are still underway in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, where five coal miners remain trapped in an abandoned quarry. The miners have been stuck since January 6, with four bodies recovered so far.
Efforts to dewater the quarry using specialized pumping machines from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Coal India have lowered the water levels significantly. However, it remains uncertain when the quarry will be completely cleared or when rescue operations inside the mine can resume.
The operation is being carried out by a joint team of the Navy, Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and district authorities. An underwater Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) is also being deployed to assist in the search.
Kaushik Rai, Assam’s Minister for Mines and Minerals, overseeing the operation, stated that dewatering is expected to be completed by Tuesday. However, with the miners trapped for over a week, officials have acknowledged that the chances of survival are dwindling.
The quarry, located in Umrangshu, about 250 km from Guwahati, had been abandoned 12 years ago and was managed by the Assam Mineral Development Corporation until three years ago. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the leader of the miners has been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing.
In the wake of the tragedy, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, accusing local authorities of failing to address illegal mining activities in the region.
