What Happened to the Three Workers Rescued from the Flooded Illegal Coal Mine in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh?
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Synopsis
The tragic recovery of three workers from an illegal coal mine in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district highlights the dangers of unlawful mining operations. As the community mourns, calls for justice and compensation grow louder, shedding light on the ongoing exploitation in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Three workers were trapped for thirteen days in an illegal coal mine.
- The mine was located in Keredari block of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district.
- Heavy rainfall caused the Khawa River to overflow, leading to the incident.
- The community is demanding compensation and jobs for the deceased workers' dependents.
- Illegal mining continues to be a major issue in the region.
Hazaribagh, June 3 (NationPress) After being trapped for thirteen days, the bodies of three workers were recovered from an illegal coal mine located in the Keredari block of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
The deceased have been identified as Pramod Shah, 45, Umesh Kumar, 25, and Naushad Ansari, 24, all residents of Kandaber village under the jurisdiction of the Keredari police station.
These three individuals were swept into the mine on May 21 due to heavy rains that caused the Khawa River to overflow.
Local villagers recounted that the powerful current forced the workers into one of the many illegal tunnels in the area, many of which are operated by coal mafias and continue to function despite the inherent dangers.
The mine shaft where they were trapped was over 100 feet deep and quickly filled with water, complicating rescue efforts significantly.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) undertook a three-day operation to locate and recover the bodies but had to cease operations due to severe waterlogging.
Eventually, the task of dewatering the mine was handled by NTPC along with a private firm. Following days of relentless pumping, the water level dropped, allowing local villagers to recover the bodies late on Monday night.
On Tuesday, law enforcement transported the bodies for autopsy to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribagh. After post-mortem procedures, the bodies were returned to Kandaber for cremation on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident cast a shadow over the village, with family members and neighbors grieving deeply as the news spread.
Emotional scenes unfolded as the bodies were brought back to the village.
In the aftermath, villagers reiterated their demands for compensation and the assurance of government jobs for one dependent of each deceased worker.
Despite several incidents, illegal mining in the Khawa river area of Keredari continues unabated, attracting numerous locals in search of work and leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Point of View
I stand with the nation in emphasizing the need for stringent regulations against illegal mining operations. The loss of lives in Hazaribagh is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked exploitation and the urgent need for government intervention to protect vulnerable communities.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the workers to get trapped in the mine?
The workers were trapped due to heavy rainfall that caused the Khawa River to overflow, leading to flooding in the illegal coal mine.
What actions were taken to recover the bodies?
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) initially attempted recovery but had to cease due to waterlogging. Eventually, local villagers helped recover the bodies after the mine was dewatered by NTPC and a private company.
What are villagers demanding after the incident?
Villagers are calling for compensation and government jobs for one dependent of each deceased worker.
Is illegal mining common in Jharkhand?
Yes, illegal mining is prevalent in the Khawa river belt of Keredari, posing significant risks to local workers.
How deep was the mine where the workers were trapped?
The mine shaft where the workers were trapped was over 100 feet deep.
