Explorer

Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue: Rat-Hole Mining, A Banned Practice That 41 Workers Are Pinning Hopes On — Explained

The banned practice of rat-hole mining may be the only hope for the 41 workers trapped in the Uttarkashi tunnel. Read all about the method as rescuers race against time to bring the workers out.

Banned for years, a controversial mining practice may now be the only hope for the 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi. With the breaking of the auger joint of the drilling machine, the authorities have decided to move away from high-tech machines and cut through the debris using an outlawed method called "rat-hole mining".

What Is Rat-Hole Mining?

Rat-hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams. The method was primarily used in Meghalaya. The term "rat hole" refers to narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal. Miners use ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams, manually extracting coal with tools like pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.

According to The Indian Express, rat-hole mining in Meghalaya is broadly of two types: side-cutting, where narrow tunnels are dug on hill slopes, and box-cutting, where a rectangular opening is made, and a vertical pit is dug. The practice poses significant safety and environmental hazards due to its unregulated nature, lack of safety measures, and causing land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.

Why Was Rat-Hole Mining Banned?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014, citing cases of flooding during the rainy season leading to fatalities. However, the practice remained prevalent in many parts of Meghalaya. Several miner deaths have also occurred due to rat-hole mining, according to NDTV. The state government appealed against the order in the Supreme Court, citing economic factors and a lack of viable alternative livelihoods for the local population.

The rat-hole mining method, despite being banned for safety reasons, would be crucial in rescuing the trapped workers in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand Rescue Operation

In the Uttarakhand rescue operation, rat-hole mining became necessary after the failure of an American Auger drilling machine. Specialists from Delhi, skilled in the technique, were flown in for the task. These experts manually remove debris using hand-held tools inside the 800 mm pipe. The specialists are adept at cutting through metal barriers, showcasing their expertise in this unconventional method of mining.

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Harris Vs Trump: When Will The World Know Who Has Won As US Votes To Elect New President
Harris Vs Trump: When Will The World Know Who Has Won As US Votes To Elect New President
'Such Violent Acts Will Never Weaken India’s Resolve': PM Modi Condemns Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada
'Such Violent Acts Will Never Weaken India’s Resolve': PM Modi Condemns Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada
Indian Army Resumes Restricted Patrolling At Depsang Plains As Disengagement With China Progresses
Indian Army Resumes Restricted Patrolling At Depsang Plains As Disengagement With China Progresses
Suhas Subramanyan To Pramila Jayapal: 9 Indians In US Polls Fray, 5 Seek Re-Election
Suhas Subramanyan To Pramila Jayapal: 9 Indians In US Polls Fray, 5 Seek Re-Election
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Almora Bus Accident: Bus Carrying 42 Plunges Into Ravine in Uttarakhand | ABP NewsBreaking News: Poster Wars Heat Up in Lucknow Ahead of UP By-Elections | ABP NewsManoj Jarange Makes Bold Declaration Ahead of Maharashtra Elections 2024UP News: Political Resolution Looms for UP's 69,000 Teacher Recruitment Saga Ahead of By-Elections
Embed widget