The Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kaushik Goswami took suo motu cognizance of a tragic incident in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, where nine miners became trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine on January 6. As of January 11, four bodies had been recovered.
The Court issued notices to the State authorities, including the Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed affidavit by February 7, 2025. The court directed the respondents to file their response and the latest status report regarding action taken by the state government to stop the practice of rat-hole mining.
The Court while hearing the Suo Motu PIL regarding the Umrangso coal mine tragedy, took serious note of reports indicating the existence of over 200 rat-hole mines in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district.
The Court has listed the matter on 7 February for next hearing.
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