Two injured miners have died in Silchar, and the High Court has directed the state government to submit a detailed report on illegal rat-hole mining within 10 days.
Shillong: The Meghalaya government formally ended the search and rescue operation on February 10 at the site of the illegal coal mine blast in East Jaintia Hills district, following the tragedy that claimed 30 lives, officials reported on Tuesday.
Authorities said the decision was taken after assessment teams concluded there was no remaining possibility of locating survivors. The explosion had occurred on February 5 inside the unregulated mine, prompting a large-scale emergency response across challenging terrain.
East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar confirmed that the operation was called off around 5 pm after a final review of site conditions and risks to rescue personnel.
The rescue effort involved the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district administration, police, Fire and Emergency Services, and local volunteers. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris, while specialised teams worked to navigate narrow, unstable mine shafts under dangerous conditions.
Officials said six injured survivors are receiving treatment in Silchar, Assam, and in Shillong, the state capital. Of the 30 fatalities, 26 have been identified, while four bodies remain unidentified.
Two injured miners receiving treatment at Silchar Medical College and Hospital later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 30. They have been identified as Ramchandra Baishnab and Nimaruddin, both from Katigorah in Assam’s Cachar district.
The Meghalaya High Court has taken serious note of the incident, expressing concern over the widespread illegal mining in the district during a suo motu public interest hearing. The division bench directed the state government to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days detailing action taken against illegal rat-hole mining, including equipment seizures and arrests.
Describing the situation as “distressing” and “alarming,” the court warned that those responsible for enforcement lapses would be held accountable and indicated that a probe by an independent or central agency may be ordered. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 19.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the ongoing dangers of illegal mining and repeated violations despite earlier court directives.
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