Efforts to rescue eight labourers trapped in a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district entered the fifth day on Friday, as rescue teams face significant challenges caused by water flooding the mine. Coal India Limited has deployed a 500 GPM (gallons per minute) high-capacity pump to expedite dewatering operations.
Challenges in the Rescue Effort
The trapped labourers have been stuck in the flooded 3 Kilo Quarry in Umrangso since January 6. The rescue operation has been hampered by murky and acidic water caused by coal mixing, severely affecting visibility and maneuverability for the Indian Navy divers.
Despite round-the-clock efforts, the water level inside the mine has shown no signs of receding. Inspector Roshan Kumar, leading the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, stated, “We have searched the vertical area but haven’t found anything yet. The water level, instead of reducing, has increased.”
Deployment of Advanced Equipment
K. Mere, General Manager of Northeastern Coalfields, informed that a 500 GPM pump, brought from Nagpur, is being installed along with two generators to support its operation. “The pump will operate in three shifts over 24 hours, capable of extracting 500 gallons of water per minute. However, the exact underground situation remains uncertain,” Mere added.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The rescue operation is a joint effort involving the Indian Army, Navy, and NDRF, with assistance from diving specialists. So far, one body has been recovered, but the status of the remaining trapped individuals is still unknown.
As the rescue teams battle worsening conditions, hopes remain pinned on the combined expertise of the agencies involved to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.
