Dawa Cherpa : “Assam mine tragedy: Body found, 2 still missing”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Assam rat-hole mine
2. Assam mine rescue efforts

The recovery of one of the three labourers trapped in an illegal rat-hole mine in Ledo’s Tikok area highlights the dangers faced by workers in the mining industry. The ongoing rescue operation, led by the SDRF and NDRF, aims to locate the remaining two missing labourers. Tragedies like this underscore the importance of enforcing mining regulations and implementing safer practices to prevent loss of life. Despite the NGT’s ban on rat-hole mining in 2014, illegal coal extraction continues in the region, posing a significant risk to workers. Strict enforcement and adherence to regulations are crucial to ensuring the safety of all miners in the North East.

Tragic Incident Unfolds in Illegal Rat-Hole Mine in Ledo

A devastating tragedy struck the remote area of Ledo in Assam’s Tinsukia district, where three labourers found themselves trapped in an illegal rat-hole mine. The incident, which occurred on May 26, led to a landslide that buried the miners under tons of earth and debris. The rescue operation, spearheaded by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has been tirelessly working to locate the missing workers and bring them to safety.

Challenges in the Treacherous Terrain of Patkai Hills

The Patkai hills, where the illegal mine is located, present a daunting challenge for rescue teams due to the hazardous nature of the terrain. The rugged landscape, coupled with the unstable mining practices, has made it difficult to access the trapped labourers. Despite these challenges, the rescue operation has been ongoing, with hopes of finding the missing workers alive.

Plight of the Trapped Miners

Among the three trapped miners are Dawa Cherpa from Bhojpur, Nepal, and two workers from Meghalaya, John and Fenaal. These individuals, who were simply trying to earn a livelihood, now find themselves in a life-threatening situation due to the negligence of those responsible for the illegal mining activities. Their families anxiously await news of their rescue, praying for a miracle amidst the treacherous conditions.

Illegal Mining Practices Continue Despite Ban

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in the region back in 2014, citing the dangers associated with such practices. However, despite the ban, illegal coal extraction continues unabated in various parts of the region, leading to tragic incidents like the one unfolding in Ledo. The need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and safer practices has never been more apparent.

Call for Scientific Mining Practices

The neighbouring state of Meghalaya has also faced similar tragedies in rat-hole mines, prompting calls for a more scientific approach to mining. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s proposal to resume coal mining in a scientific manner highlights the importance of implementing safer practices to prevent further loss of life. It is imperative that mining activities be conducted in a manner that prioritises the safety and well-being of workers above all else.

As the rescue operation continues in Ledo, the focus remains on locating the missing miners and ensuring their safe return to their families. The harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal mining practices and the urgent need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.