New Delhi: The Assam Cabinet has approved the rupees 10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and ordered both a judicial inquiry and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation following the tragic flooding of an illegal coal mine in Dima Hasao district. The coal mine flooding had trapped nine workers with four bodies recovered and five still missing after a 10-day multi-agency rescue operation
The incident occurred on January 6th when the illegal mine, described as a 300-feet deep well, suddenly flooded. While 25 workers managed to escape, nine were trapped inside. Despite intensive rescue efforts, hopes of finding survivors dwindle each day. Recognising the grim reality, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the compensation, stating, “The Cabinet approved Rs 10 lakhs to kin of those whose bodies have been found and those yet to be traced.”
The Cabinet has initiated a two-pronged investigative approach to determine the cause of the tragedy and establish accountability. Retired High Court Judge Anima Hazarika will lead a judicial commission, tasked with submitting a report within three months.
Concurrently, Assam Police Chief GP Singh has been instructed to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate potential criminal negligence. The judicial commission will oversee the SIT’s probe, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated investigation.
“We have instructed departments concerned to find ways of filling up these mines with the help of Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (Rachi),” said Sarma.
The incident has exposed the widespread issue of illegal mining in the region. Sarma revealed that an estimated 220 illegal mines are operating in the same area. Authorities will analyze satellite imagery to identify these mines and are exploring ways to permanently shut them down with assistance from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi.
“We have extracted around 4 million litres from the mine. Nearly 100 million litres remain there. The officials informed us that if the present rate of dewatering continues, it will take another 25-60 days to flush out the remaining water,” Sarma said.
The Cabinet has directed all involved agencies, including the Army, to continue dewatering operations until a “logical conclusion is reached.”
