Labourers Trapped in Assam Coal Mine; Water Influx Complicates Rescue Efforts
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Guwahati, Jan 9 (NationPress) The rescue attempts for the trapped labourers from a coal mine in the Umrangso area of Assam's Dima Hasao district are proceeding, but the influx of water into the tunnel is creating obstacles for the rescue teams, officials disclosed on Wednesday.
Harmeet Singh, Special DGP of Assam Police, overseeing the rescue operation, stated, "The de-watering of the tunnel has been conducted; however, several channels are continuously pouring water back into the tunnel. We have been utilizing small pumps to remove water from the tunnel while the Navy divers are exploring the tunnels for rescue operations. As of now, they have not been able to locate anything."
He further mentioned that the Indian Navy rescue unit is using a Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) to examine the coal mine.
The rescue team has also deployed advanced equipment to navigate the different tunnels within the coal mine.
Meanwhile, Singh noted that a recovered body of a labourer has been sent to Haflong for a post-mortem examination, and it will be returned to the family after the necessary procedures.
Earlier on Wednesday, the body of one of the trapped labourers was retrieved by the para divers, according to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
In a post on X, CM Sarma stated, "21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our condolences and thoughts are with the grieving family."
The Chief Minister added that the rescue operation is fully active, with personnel from the Army and NDRF entering the well.
At least nine labourers have been confirmed to be trapped in the coal mine in the Umrangso area.
Among the nine trapped labourers, one is a Nepali national, one is from West Bengal, while the rest are from various regions of Assam.
The identified individuals include Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khusi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar, and Sarat Goyary.
