Assam CM Orders Judicial Inquiry into Fatal Flooded Coal Mine Incident in Umrangso

As rescue operations continue at the illegal rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso’s Tin Kilo, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. The inquiry, headed by retired Gauhati High Court judge Anima Hazarika, will investigate the tragedy and assign responsibility to those at fault. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will also probe the case based on filed FIRs, with progress monitored by the Hazarika committee.

The CM announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim’s family. So far, four bodies have been recovered, and efforts continue to find the remaining miners. The government is also focusing on the broader issue of illegal coal mining in the region and plans to use satellite data, in collaboration with ISRO, to track mining activities. Additionally, the state will work with the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) to fill illegal mine pits to prevent future accidents.

Rescue operations have been ongoing for 11 days, with challenges due to high water levels, while the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is studying the site for potential underground connections.