Tragedy in Assam: Workers Trapped in Flooded Rat-Hole Mine Highlights Persistent Safety and Environmental Challenges

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network – Page No. – 09)

Analysis of the news:

Coal Mine Tragedy in Assam

• On January 6, several workers were trapped for over 12 hours in a water-flooded coal “rat-hole” mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam.
• The rescue operations, involving the National and State Disaster Relief Forces and the Army, have been progressing slowly due to the challenges posed by the flooded, deep mine.

What is Rat-Hole Mining?

Rat-hole mining is a traditional and hazardous method of coal extraction, prevalent in Northeast India, particularly Meghalaya.

• Process:
  • Miners dig narrow vertical or horizontal pits, descending using ropes or bamboo ladders.
  • Coal is manually extracted using rudimentary tools.
• Types:
  • Side-Cutting: Narrow tunnels are dug into hill slopes to access thin coal seams.
  • Box-Cutting: A vertical pit is dug, leading to horizontal tunnels for coal extraction.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

Rat-hole mining poses severe environmental and safety hazards:

• Safety Risks:
  • Lack of structural support, ventilation, and safety gear increases risks of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
  • Flooding during rains often leads to worker entrapment and fatalities.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Causes land degradation, deforestation, and contamination of water sources.
  • Polluted water bodies adversely affect local communities and ecosystems.

Legal Status and Ban

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014 and reaffirmed the ban in 2015.

• Reason for Ban:
  • Frequent accidents, including fatal flooding incidents, highlighted the unsafe and unregulated nature of these mines.
  • Significant environmental degradation prompted regulatory action.
• Current Scenario:
  • Despite the ban, the practice persists due to economic pressures and lack of alternative livelihoods, particularly in Meghalaya and nearby areas.

Conclusion:

• The recent Assam tragedy underscores the persistent issues associated with rat-hole mining despite legal prohibitions.
• Addressing these concerns requires strict enforcement of the ban, sustainable livelihood alternatives for local populations, and a shift towards safer, regulated mining practices to prevent future disasters.

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