Assam: One body recovered from coal mine, eight workers still trapped; Army and NDRF rescue operation intensified

Guwahati: Nine workers were trapped after water filled in a coal mine in Dima Hasao district near Assam on Monday. On Wednesday morning, Army and NDRF teams recovered a body from the mine during the rescue operation. Eight workers are still trapped in the mine. After this, the teams of Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF have intensified the rescue operation.

A coal mine in the Teen Kilo area of ​​​​Umrangso in Dima Hasao district was suddenly flooded with water on Monday in a 300 feet deep mine. Nine workers were trapped in this mine. After this, a joint team of Indian Army and local authorities started the rescue operation in a quick and effective manner. The rescue operation was stopped on Tuesday evening. It was resumed on Wednesday morning. After this, the rescue teams recovered a body from the mine.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 21 para divers have recovered a body from the mine. Our condolences and prayers are with the bereaved family. At the same time, NDRF Commandant N Tiwari said that work is going on 24 hours to rescue the workers. Soon we will reach the workers. Right now the army team is working here. Soon the Navy will also reach here. At the same time, a worker working in the mine told that my brother is trapped in the mine. Suddenly people in the mine started shouting that water is filling up. 30-35 people came out and 15-16 people got trapped.

One youth arrested, case registered
In the case, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the police have registered an FIR under Section 3(5)/105 BNS along with Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to investigate the incident. It seems to be an illegal mine. A person named Puneesh Nunisa has been arrested in connection with the case. I also spoke to the Hon’ble Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddar. I have sought his assistance for the rescue operation in Umrangsu. He has immediately issued instructions to the Coal India Headquarters. I express my heartfelt gratitude to him for giving full support to the Assam government in this mission.

De-watering pump is being ordered
De-watering pump has been ordered to remove the water filled in the mine. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in a post on Instagram that the rescue operation is in full swing. Army and NDRF divers have landed in the mine. Navy personnel are on the spot and are making final preparations to dive after them. Meanwhile, SDRF de-watering pumps have left for the spot from Umrangsu. ONGC’s de-watering pump has been loaded on a MI-17 helicopter at Kumbhigram.