Guwahati, Jan 16: The Assam government has announced a judicial inquiry and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the tragic coal mine accident in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, that claimed the lives of four workers and left five others trapped. Additionally, the state has declared an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the victims and ordered the closure of 220 similar rat-hole mines in the region.

The incident occurred on January 6 when flooding trapped nine miners inside a coal mine. Rescue teams have recovered four bodies so far, while the remaining five workers are feared dead.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a Cabinet meeting, confirmed that the dewatering process at the site would take between 25 to 60 days and continue until all trapped workers are retrieved. He further announced that Rs 10 lakh would be provided to the families of all nine miners.

A judicial inquiry will be led by Justice (Retd) Anima Hazarika, who is expected to submit her report within three months. The Director General of Police has been tasked with forming an SIT for a criminal investigation, which will be monitored by the judicial inquiry committee.

The Assam government will also use satellite mapping technology to trace the operational history of the 220 rat-hole mines in the region. The Revenue and Disaster Management department plans to collaborate with ISRO or foreign agencies to track the timeline of these mines’ operations, while also beginning the process of filling the mines in consultation with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute.