Efforts to rescue five miners still trapped in a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district have faced setbacks, as water levels in the quarry rose again despite ongoing dewatering operations. The mine, located in the 3 Kilo area, flooded on January 6, trapping at least nine miners.
While approximately 25 workers managed to escape the nearly 300-feet-deep, well-shaped mine, only four bodies have been recovered so far. On Saturday, the water level had been reduced significantly, raising hopes for further recovery efforts. However, officials reported on Monday that water from a nearby aquifer is refilling the mine.
Dewatering Efforts Intensify
According to GD Tripathi, CEO of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nine traditional pumps have been working continuously to drain the water. On Monday, six additional pumps were brought from Guwahati, three of which have been installed and are operational, with the others expected to be set up soon. This will bring the total to 15 pumps at the site.
Six more pumps are being used to drain water from nearby mines suspected of feeding the flooded quarry. Despite these efforts, the water level, which had been reduced by 18.1 metres (approximately 59 feet) by Saturday, began to rise again on Sunday.
Heavy-Duty Pump Awaiting Deployment
A heavy-duty pump from Coal India Limited, capable of pumping out 2,250 litres per minute, was flown in by the Indian Air Force last Thursday. However, it has yet to be used on-site.
Tripathi revealed that local miners have been engaged to conduct a survey and locate the source of the water flooding the mine. “We will decide the next steps once the survey is complete,” he said.
Rising Water Levels Cause Concern
Officials from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reported that the water level, initially around 100 feet deep, had decreased to 11.9 metres (39 feet) by Saturday evening. However, it increased again to approximately 29 metres (95 feet) by Monday evening.
Efforts are ongoing to address the challenge of rising water levels while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel. The situation remains critical as rescuers work tirelessly to reach the trapped miners
Sources By Agencies