• Source:JND

Meghalaya Mine Blast: At least 16 labourers were killed, while several others are still feared trapped after a massive blast at an 'illegal' rat-hole coal mine in the Thangsu area of East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya. The State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), police and local administration are engaged in search and rescue operations to pull out the trapped labourers.

"We have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped," Meghalaya DGP I Nongrang said.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, where a massive explosion at an illegal coal mine claimed the lives of at least 16 labourers. Offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the PMO extended prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.

According to a report by news agency PTI, the blast took place during coal mining activities, which have been dubbed "illegal" by the police. East Jaintia Hills SP Vikash Kumar said that the mining activities at the site were taking place illegally.

"The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained, and an inquiry will be conducted," SP Vikash Kumar added.

Meghalaya Mine Blast: Rat-Hole Mining Banned In Meghalaya

The National Green Tribunal in 2014 banned the rat-hole coal mining and unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya. The NGT cited environmental damage and risk to the lives of the labourers deployed at mining sites.

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The tribunal also banned the transportation of the coal extracted through such methods of mining. However, the Supreme Court later upheld the ban and allowed mining only under scientific and regulated procedures with environmental safeguards.

Meghalaya Mine Blast: What Is Rat-Hole Mining?

Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes", as each just about fits one person.


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