Assam Govt to seek satellite images for probe into Umrangso coal mine tragedy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 16, 2025

The Assam government will seek assistance from ISRO and foreign satellite agencies to obtain time-lapse images of 220 coal mines located in Umrangso in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, to ascertain when mining activities began in the area.

This was stated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after a cabinet meeting in Morigaon on Thursday.

Sarma said that 220 rat-hole mines were found in the 3 Kilo area of Umrangso, where a tragic incident on January 6 led to the deaths of four labourers and the entrapment of five others.

“The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has been asked to collect satellite images from ISRO and foreign agencies to determine when mining activities began in the area,” Sarma said. “It is not an easy task. We need to study satellite images from 2024, 2020, 2014, and earlier to uncover the truth.”

The cabinet reviewed the entire situation and decided to seek guidance from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute on filling up the mines to prevent further incidents. “There have been reports of animal deaths in these mines,” Sarma added.

Officials engaged in rescue operations provided a presentation during the meeting. It was confirmed by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Coal India, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) that the mine initially contained 14 crore liters of water. Of this, 4 crore liters have been removed, leaving 11 crore liters still inside the mine.

“Officials estimate that it will take between 25 to 60 days to complete dewatering. The cabinet has decided to continue dewatering operations with assistance from the Indian Army and Army engineers,” Sarma said.

Rescue hopes fade in Assam mining tragedy as water level remains constant, SIT probe demanded

A judicial probe, led by retired Gauhati High Court judge Justice Anima Hazarika, has been ordered to examine the incident and determine accountability. The commission is expected to submit its report within three months.

Additionally, the Director General of Police (DGP) has been instructed to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough inquiry based on the existing FIR. The SIT will be monitored by Justice Anima Hazarika.

The Mines and Minerals Department has also been directed to take immediate steps to close all existing illegal rat-hole mines in consultation with central agencies.

The Chief Minister announced that a one-time financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of all nine victims, including those whose bodies are yet to be recovered.