Meghalaya Coal Mine Tragedy enters 22nd day, SC questions State Government

Khliehriat: After the 22nd day of the rescue operation in Khloo Ryngksan near Letein River of East of Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya, a village headman of Lamyrsiang village on Thursday claimed that it is very difficult to pump out the water from 370-foot-deep illegal coal pit by using only one or two pumping machines, as the water level will never go down.

The village headman was identified as Dominic Pala.

He also revealed that when there was no ban on coal mining in Meghalaya, he use to spent more than Rs 1 crore to pump out water from his three mining pits. Moreover, the pumping was done together at the same time along with other owners (coal). The entire process would take at least 2-3 months to clear floor or to bring out all the water.

Speaking to the media, Pala also said, "To bring down the water level in Briwar area pumping is required with all mines cutting right from Jaintia Cement area, these mines have underground tunnel connected to each other. Hence, for doing this it would cost around Rs 70-80 crore. It is impossible to pump the water from only one or two pits, as it will bring no results at all.”

It may be mentioned that people who were doing mining in that particular area were later banned by NGT.

Earlier, in a report, the Indian Navy informed the media that the Under Water Remotely Operated Vehicle (UWROV) found that there is some wooden structure inside and coal was also found lying beneath.

They also stated that the visibility inside the coal pit is very poor.

Also, one rat hole was also found with coal at its mouth. The Indian Navy also informed the media that when the level of the water comes down the search will be feasible.

At present, the site is cleared for fire service from Odisha to start the pumping of water from the main shaft. Also, other shafts nearby are being prepared to keep the pumps of Odisha to enable to operate pumping.

On the other hand, the Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Meghalaya Government for further developments or steps been taken to rescue the 15 miners who are trapped inside the coal pit since December 13.

The apex court asserting that it was not satisfied with the rescue operations questioned the State Government "Can’t you (State) request Army?" adding, "We read in the newspaper that the Army volunteered but they are not allowed to go inside to carry out the rescue operation”.

The bench further stated that it is a very serious situation. We are not satisfied with the development, We do not know what happened to these 15 miners since the past 18 days.

To this, Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for petitioner informed the apex court that all the units that are engaged in rescue operations are not working in coordination.