NEW DELHI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday the arrest of an individual for an “illegal” coal mine in which nine workers have been trapped for over twenty four hours now in the Umrangso region.. The CM also said that a case was registered for the incident in the mine where water levels have reached approximately 100 feet.
“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, to investigate the incident. Prima facie, it appears to be an illegal mine. One Punish Nunisa has been arrested in connection with the case,” said CM Himanta later adding that, “The Navy team is now spearheading the rescue efforts.”
He also revealed that he has reached out to the union coal minister for further assistance. “I also spoke to Hon’ble Union Coal Minister, Shri @kishanreddybjp seeking assistance for our rescue operation in Umrangsu. He has promptly issued directions to @CoalIndiaHQ to extend full support to the Assam government in this mission. My sincere gratitude to him for his swift response and support,” said the CM, who has been giving regular updates on the situation.
The rescue efforts involve the assistance from the Army, Navy and the Air Force along with SDRF, NDRF, Assam Rifles.
“We have not been able to rescue anyone till now. The rescue operation is underway. All the teams SDRF, NDRF, Assam Rifles and Army, are here. The Navy is also coming. Indian Air Force is also deployed here…The CM is looking after this situation…All the officials are here and we are making all the efforts to rescue everyone,” said Assam Mines and Minerals minister Kaushik Rai.
In earlier rescue efforts, Himanta had confirmed the involvement of Navy Divers. “Navy deep divers have been requisitioned to assist in the rescue operation. The water level inside the mine has risen to nearly 100 feet, according to the assessment by the stationed team,” he said in the morning.
The incident began on Monday when water suddenly flooded the Assam Coal Quarry in Umrangso’s 3 Kilo area. CM Himanta later revealed the identities of nine trapped workers.
They were identified as Ganga Bahadur Shreth, Hussain Ali, Jakir Hussain, Sarpa Barman, Mustafa Seikh, Khushi Mohan Rai, Sanjit Sarkar, Lijan Magar and Sarat Goyary.
“Distressing news from Umrangshu, where labourers are trapped in a coal mine. The exact number and status are yet unknown. The DC, SP and my colleague Kaushik Rai are rushing to the site. Praying to God for everyone’s safety,” Sarma had posted on X in his first statement on the situation.
According to witnesses and preliminary reports, the unexpected flooding prevented workers from evacuating the mine. Emergency teams, including local authorities and mining experts, immediately initiated rescue operations.
