Dima Hasao (Assam): In a grim development, Army divers from the 21 Para Special Forces recovered one body from the flooded coal mine in Umrangso of Dima Hasao district, after nearly 48 hours of relentless rescue efforts. The tragedy unfolded on January 6, when nine miners became trapped in the illegal mine due to sudden flooding. According to reports, the water in the mine has risen to a level of an alarming 100 feet.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the recovery on social media. "21 Para divers have just recovered a lifeless body from the bottom of the well. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family," he wrote on X. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue their desperate search for the remaining miners as rising water levels, now reaching nearly 100 feet, pose significant challenges.
Specialised rescue teams, including Navy divers flown in from Visakhapatnam, have joined forces with the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and the National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF and SDRF). However, no miners have been rescued alive so far.
Divers preparing for rescue operations | PTI
NDRF Deputy Commandant N Tiwari told ANI news agency that operations are ongoing round-the-clock with expanded teams on-site. "The operation was paused last evening and resumed this morning. We are working tirelessly to reach the trapped miners and bring them out safely," he stated. He further noted that the Navy is expected to provide additional assistance soon.
A miner who escaped recounted the harrowing moment when the mine began flooding. "A lot of people were inside when the water started rising. Around 30-35 managed to escape, but 15-16 remained trapped," he said.
'Mine Operated Illegally,' Says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief Minister Sarma also revealed that the coal mine appeared to be operating illegally. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and one individual, Punish Nunisa, has been arrested in connection with the case.
"The police have registered an FIR under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing Sections 3(5)/105 BNS, r/w Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Prima facie, it appears to be an illegal mine," the CM posted on X.
Sarma also sought assistance from Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who assured full support from Coal India. "My sincere gratitude to him for his swift response and support," the CM wrote, highlighting the cooperative effort to address this tragedy. Rescue operations are ongoing as the state grapples with the devastating impact of the incident.
