The Assam government has announced a strict plan to eliminate rat-hole mining, a dangerous practice responsible for numerous accidents, including a recent disaster. At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that a new standard operating procedure (SOP) will be put in place to enforce a blanket ban on such mining activities.
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ToggleIdentifying And Closing Dangerous Mines
In light of the recent tragedy, the government has identified 220 coal mines that operate under similar unsafe conditions. Satellite mapping technology will be employed to track these mines, with help from ISRO and other international agencies. The revenue and disaster management departments will gather the necessary data to determine when the mines were first opened.
The Mines and Minerals Department will collaborate with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute to safely close these abandoned mines. A clear plan to fill them in will be put into action as soon as possible to prevent further disasters.
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Rescue Efforts And Delayed Operations
Meanwhile, the tragic incident involving five miners trapped in a coal mine continues to unfold. The miners have been stuck for over a week due to water seepage from underground streams, which has complicated the dewatering process. With 15 pump sets being used to remove the water, the rescue operations face significant delays.
On January 8, one body was recovered, followed by three more on January 11. Despite these recoveries, the remaining miners have yet to be found, and the chances of survival are rapidly diminishing. The Chief Minister has expressed concern, stating that the time elapsed has drastically reduced the likelihood of the miners being alive.
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Commitment to Safety And Prevention In Assam
The tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for regulatory measures and strict enforcement of safety protocols in mining operations. The government’s focus will be on preventing similar accidents by banning rat-hole mining once and for all. The use of advanced satellite technology will help pinpoint and monitor hazardous mining sites, making enforcement more effective.
Additionally, the collaboration with experts from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute will ensure the safe closure of these mines, reducing the risk of future disasters.
The Assam government’s decisive action signals a strong commitment to ending rat-hole mining and ensuring the safety of its citizens. While the ongoing rescue operation faces challenges. The state is focused on preventing future tragedies through stricter regulation and effective monitoring of mining activities.
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