January 7, 2025: A devastating tragedy has unfolded at a coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, where at least 17 workers have been rescued, but up to 35 remain trapped following a catastrophic flooding of the mine. The scale of the disaster has raised alarm, with serious allegations of illegal mining practices under the oversight of influential political figures.
The flooding incident, which occurred in a rathole mine – a dangerous and illegal mining method banned in India – has seen a swift response from the Indian Army. Army officials, alongside specialized engineers, divers, and medical teams, are spearheading a rescue operation in an attempt to save those still trapped below ground. The floodwaters inside the mine have reached a staggering height of 100 feet, complicating the efforts to locate and extract the workers.
As rescue teams scramble to reach the trapped individuals, questions about the mine’s ownership and the involvement of local political elites have surfaced. The mine is allegedly operated under the name of Kanika Hojai, the wife of Debolal Gorlosa, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Dima Hasao. This revelation has sparked outrage, as rathole mining is illegal and poses grave risks to workers’ lives.
Despite initial rescue attempts, including two failed operations, the Army’s Engineer Task Force continues to work tirelessly, with additional support expected from deep-water divers arriving from Visakhapatnam. Meanwhile, the Assam government is facing mounting pressure to investigate the mining operations thoroughly.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has confirmed the names of nine workers who have been successfully rescued, including Hussain Ali from Darrang and Ganga Bahadur from Nepal. However, the full extent of the disaster remains unclear, with reports suggesting that authorities may have tried to hide the true number of victims. Allegedly, at least three workers were concealed by mining authorities, raising suspicions that the situation was downplayed in the early stages.
In a show of support, Assam Minister Koushik Roy, along with the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner, have reached the site to oversee ongoing operations. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding and the treacherous terrain, authorities are determined to rescue the remaining workers.
As the rescue operation continues, the incident has shed light on the severe risks associated with illegal mining practices in the region, with migrant workers, including those from Nepal, feared to be among those trapped. The tragedy calls for immediate reforms and stricter enforcement of mining laws to prevent such incidents in the future.