January 16, 2025: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh for the families of the four workers who tragically lost their lives in the Umrangso coal mine disaster. This compensation will also be extended to the families of the five other workers still missing, irrespective of whether they are found alive or deceased. The announcement was made on January 16, following the tragic flooding of the mine on January 6.

The disaster occurred in Umrangso, located in the Dima Hasao district, when the mine's shafts were inundated with 1.4 billion liters of water. To date, approximately 400 crore liters have been extracted in ongoing rescue efforts. Despite these attempts, the mine’s complex and dangerous structure has made the operation difficult. Four bodies have been recovered, but several workers remain trapped. The mine, notorious for using the illegal and unsafe rathole mining method, has caused significant challenges due to rising water levels, which reached as high as 100 feet.

In light of the tragedy, the Assam government has initiated a judicial inquiry into the incident. The state will also prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for banning the excavation of rathole mines. Additionally, 230 coal mines in the region will be sealed to prevent further hazards. However, the government's response has been criticized as somewhat helpless, given the scale of the mining operations and the entrenched illegal practices in the area.

The incident has also sparked allegations regarding the involvement of local political figures in the mine's operations. Reports suggest that the mine is operated under the name of Kanika Hojai, the wife of Debolal Gorlosa, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Dima Hasao. This has raised questions about the extent of political influence in the mining activities and their regulation.

Rathole mining, a banned and perilous practice, continues to endanger the lives of workers, with rescue efforts being led by the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force, supported by divers, engineers, and medical teams. As the recovery operations proceed, the state government's actions will be under intense scrutiny, as the families of the victims seek justice and accountability for the disaster.