Meghalaya: 13 miners, trapped in illegal 'Rat hole' coal mine, feared dead
Meghalaya : 13 miners, who were trapped inside a flooded illegal coal mine in Meghalaya, have been feared dead, said a news report. All efforts to pump out water from the mine failed in yielding any positive result. However, a massive rescue operation is still going on with more than 100 people pressed into action.
According to the disaster team at site, the major hurdles they are facing is poor visibility inside the water and coal dust; what is making things worse is non-availability of map of the mine.
Rescue team includes personnel from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Speaking to PTI, a local said, “The chances of survival of the miners are very bleak. The mine is way deeper than the nearby river. There are also around 20 shafts,” adding three of the trapped miners are from the village and the rest are non-tribals.
“The labourers who were trapped have been identified as Omor Ali of Magurmari in West Garo Hills district, Mezamur Islam, Phesiakandi under Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Mominul Islam of Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Shirapat Ali of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Mozid Sk of Magurmari in West Garo Hills, Raziul Islam of Magurmari under Phulbari in West Garo Hills, Md. Amir Hussain of Apdaguri under Sirang in Assam, Munirul Islam, Bogidar under Sirang in Assam, Saiar Islam of Khoyarsala under Sirang in Assam, and Samsul Haque of Kurihamari under Bhangnamari, Nalbari in Assam. The three locals were identified as Chal Dkhar, Iong Dkhar, and Nilam Dkhar, all of Lumthari village in East Jaiñtia Hills district,” NorthEast Now reported.
The NGT had banned all type of operation in the Rat Hole coal mine in 2014. Now, the cops have registered a case against mine operatorJames Sukhlain of Lumthari village.
