Meghalaya mine case: SC reprimands state govt, says not satisfied with rescue operations for trapped miners

The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned Meghalaya government over what measures it has taken to rescue 15 miners, who were trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year.

15 diggers have been trapped in a illegal coal mine in Meghalaya (Image: ANI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned Meghalaya government over what measures it has taken to rescue 15 miners, who were trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year. The apex court expressed its disappointment over the rescue efforts initiated by the state government to save the lives of the trapped miners.

In response the state government said, "The state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel and Coal India personnel are working since December 14.".Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over the plight of the trapped miners asked Meghalaya government what steps it has taken to rescue 15 miners, who are trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year.

In response the state government said, "The state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel and Coal India personnel are working since December 14.". On this the apex court asked, “Then, why are they not successful?” Supreme Court told Meghalaya government that "We are not satisfied with the rescue operations."

"It’s a very serious situation and it’s a question of life and death of 15 coal miners who are trapped," court added.

After a plea was filed seeking urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the matter on Thursday. Since December 13, a group of miners has been trapped. Before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul, the matter was mentioned on Wednesday for urgent listing. The bench agreed to hear it on Thursday.

To prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) for rescue operations in "mines and other similar conditions", the PIL sought a direction to the Centre and other authorities concerned. It is filed by advocate Aditya N Prasad.