Heart-Wrenching Umrangso Mine Tragedy: Urgent Helipad Construction Boosts Rescue Mission
Efforts to rescue nine trapped workers from a rat-hole coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district have gained momentum with the construction of a helipad near the site. The helipad, built by the Assam Rifles, aims to speed up the joint rescue operation involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies.
The operation was initiated by the 32 Assam Rifles battalion from Haflong shortly after the mine’s collapse on January 6. A medical camp has also been established nearby to provide aid to both locals and rescue personnel. Local resident Uttam Chhetri highlighted the challenges faced due to poor road connectivity, explaining that the construction of the helipad was necessary. “The road connectivity from Umrangso to 3 Kilo is poor, and constructing a helipad was the only option. The Assam Rifles took responsibility for it and are now guarding the site,” he said.
Rescue teams are contending with hazardous conditions, including rising water levels inside the mine. Coal India has deployed a 500 GPM pump to remove water, but progress has been slow. NDRF team commander Inspector Roshan Kumar Singh noted the difficulties: “We have searched the vertical area but haven’t found anything. The water level has only increased, not decreased. This is a joint operation of the Navy, NDRF, and Indian Army.”
Assam Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai confirmed the recovery of one body and indicated that the Navy will assist further. “We have started dewatering the mine. Some reports suggest 10-12 people are trapped, but the exact number will be confirmed once the water level decreases,” Rai stated.
The rescue mission persists amid growing challenges, with specialized diving teams being called upon to navigate the dangerous underground conditions.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/umrangso-mine-tragedy-helipad-constructed-to-aid-rescue-efforts-1152773-2025-01-10?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-10 21:42:00
