Shillong (Meghalaya), Feb 5: A devastating dynamite blast at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has claimed 10 lives, with several others feared trapped under the rubble. The explosion occurred in the Thangsku area, prompting a massive rescue operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services.
The mine, suspected to be operating illegally, was using rat-hole mining techniques, banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 due to environmental and safety concerns. The blast has raised concerns about enforcement failures and risks to human life, with the Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey committee probing illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
The injured have been shifted to Shillong for treatment, and authorities are working to identify the victims and notify their families. This incident is the latest in a series of accidents linked to illegal coal mining in the district, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
