Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed the detection of 220 coal mines in Umrangso, highlighting the environmental and legal challenges posed by unregulated mining in the region. The discovery was made using satellite imagery, which helped monitor the emergence of these mines.
The announcement follows a tragic incident in the area where four people lost their lives, and five remain missing. To support the victims’ families, the government has pledged an ex gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and the same compensation for the families of the missing individuals, regardless of their status.
In response to the situation, a judicial inquiry commission will be established under Justice Anima Hazarika, a former judge of the Gauhati High Court, to investigate the causes and identify responsible parties for the illegal mining activities.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, with activities being monitored by Retired Justice Hazarika to ensure accountability. The state also plans to introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to impose a blanket ban on rat-hole mining, a dangerous and illegal practice.
Efforts to rescue the remaining five miners trapped in a flooded coal quarry in Dima Hasao district are facing challenges due to suspected seepage of fresh underground water, slowing down dewatering operations. Despite using multiple pumps, water levels have been decreasing slowly, hampering rescue efforts.
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