Navy halts operation to recover miner’s body while rescue efforts continue in Meghalaya

Guwahati, January 21, 2019:

Coal India Limited (CIL) have continued dewatering process in the two old shafts as efforts continue to rescue the estimated fifteen miners in the flooded ‘rat hole’ mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia district.

After drawing water from the two shafts for 46 hours in total on January 19-20, 52,16,400 litres of water have been discharged from the mine by Coal India Limited’s pumps.

Kirloskar pumps are also present at the spot with 4554000 litres of water being pumped out in 23 hours

The Odhisa fire services pump has also drained out 4,50,000 litres of water yesterday.

The other agencies are being assisted by the NDRF personnel.

It is to be mentioned that one body was discovered by the underwater remotely operated vehicle. The navy have been attempting to recover the remains, but recovery of the remains has been delayed due to disintegration of the body.

As per reports, the Indian Navy has stopped efforts to pull out the body from the flooded mine. Further instructions from the government are being awaited relating to the issue.