The National Green Tribunal Friday imposed a fine of whopping Rs 100 crore on the Meghalaya government for its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-supreme-court-asks-centre-meghalaya-govt-to-file-status-report-188208">failure to curb illegal coal mining</a> in the state.&nbsp;

A senior advocate, who is assisting the tribunal as an amicus curiae in the matter, said a report of a high-level committee was submitted on January 2 before a bench headed by NGT chairperson A K Goel.&nbsp;

The report stated that majority of the mines in the northeastern state were operating without a lease or licence.

The Tribunal imposed Rs 100 crore fine on the state government as a "deterrent" and for its "inaction" to curb illegal mining in the northeastern state.&nbsp; 
The lawyer said during the hearing, the state government admitted that a large number of mines were operating illegally.

At least 15 miners are trapped in the 370 foot-deep illegal coal mine in Lumthari village of East Jaintia Hills district of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mining-tragedy-no-change-in-water-level-even-after-using-high-pressure-pumps-187811"> Meghalaya </a>since December 13 and all efforts to pump the water out of flooded mine have been in vain.

Senior advocate Raj Panjawani said the amount of the fine has to be deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board within two months.

He said the bench in its order made it clear that the amount can be recovered from illegal miners and the officials responsible for operating mines illegally.

The report of the three-member committee, headed by retired Justice B P Kakoti of Gauhati High Court, has stated that there were around 24,000 mines in Meghalaya and majority of them were operating illegally.

It added that not only were there no licences or leases, but also no environmental clearance for operation of the majority of the coal mines.

The NGT had constituted the committee in August 2018 to supervise and look into the issue of the environmental restoration plan and other connected matters in Meghalaya.

The committee was constituted during the hearing of the petition which had sought a ban on coal mining in Meghalaya. It had also taken into account some reports of the state pollution control board.

Meghalaya's advocate general Amit Kumar said he had been conveyed about the order of the NGT imposing Rs 100 crore on the state. He said the detailed order would be made available in a couple of days.&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal had ordered an interim ban on 'rat-hole' coal mining in Meghalaya from April 17, 2014.

The latest order comes when the authorities are finding it difficult to rescue the 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya as there is no blueprint of the 355-feet well which has a "maze of rat holes".&nbsp;

The National Green Tribunal Friday imposed a fine of whopping Rs 100 crore on the Meghalaya government for its failure to curb illegal coal mining in the state. A senior advocate, who is assisting the tribunal as an amicus curiae in the matter, said a report of a high-level committee was submitted on January 2 before a bench headed by NGT chairperson A K Goel.

The National Green Tribunal Friday imposed a fine of whopping Rs 100 crore on the Meghalaya government for its failure to curb illegal coal mining in the state. A senior advocate, who is assisting the tribunal as an amicus curiae in the matter, said a report of a high-level committee was submitted on January 2 before a bench headed by NGT chairperson A K Goel. The report stated that majority of the mines in the northeastern state were operating without a lease or licence. The Tribunal imposed Rs 100 crore fine on the state government as a "deterrent" and for its "inaction" to curb illegal mining in the northeastern state. The lawyer said during the hearing, the state government admitted that a large number of mines were operating illegally. At least 15 miners are trapped in the 370 foot-deep illegal coal mine in Lumthari village of East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya since December 13 and all efforts to pump the water out of flooded mine have been in vain. Senior advocate Raj Panjawani said the amount of the fine has to be deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board within two months. He said the bench in its order made it clear that the amount can be recovered from illegal miners and the officials responsible for operating mines illegally. The report of the three-member committee, headed by retired Justice B P Kakoti of Gauhati High Court, has stated that there were around 24,000 mines in Meghalaya and majority of them were operating illegally. It added that not only were there no licences or leases, but also no environmental clearance for operation of the majority of the coal mines. The NGT had constituted the committee in August 2018 to supervise and look into the issue of the environmental restoration plan and other connected matters in Meghalaya. The committee was constituted during the hearing of the petition which had sought a ban on coal mining in Meghalaya. It had also taken into account some reports of the state pollution control board. Meghalaya's advocate general Amit Kumar said he had been conveyed about the order of the NGT imposing Rs 100 crore on the state. He said the detailed order would be made available in a couple of days. The National Green Tribunal had ordered an interim ban on 'rat-hole' coal mining in Meghalaya from April 17, 2014. The latest order comes when the authorities are finding it difficult to rescue the 15 miners trapped since December 13 in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya as there is no blueprint of the 355-feet well which has a "maze of rat holes".

NGT imposes Rs 100 crore fine on Meghalaya govt for failing to curb illegal mining

Meghalaya miners rescue: Supreme Court questions govt on its immediate action plan

The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mining-tragedy-no-change-in-water-level-even-after-using-high-pressure-pumps-187811">Meghalaya government's measures</a>&nbsp;to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills.

The apex court has asked what steps the state government has taken to rescue the miners.

Meghalaya government had submitted before the top court stating, "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," news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court asked "why are they not successful?"&nbsp;in rescuing the trapped miners after all the effort that is being undertaken.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a>: Meghalaya govt submits before SC, "the state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel&amp;Coal India personnel are working since Dec 14.". SC asks, “Then, why are they not successful?”, asks SC.
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Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall.&nbsp;

The divers from the Indian Navy and the NDRF on Wednesday could not go down the 370 foot-deep mine, in which 15 miners are trapped for nearly three weeks, even as draining out of a nearby abandoned mine they believe may be connected to it continued, officials said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a>: Supreme Court tells Meghalaya government that we are not satisfied with the rescue operations. 15 miners are trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year. <a href="https://t.co/DvXuAawxrc">pic.twitter.com/DvXuAawxrc</a>
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A high-powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd will be put into operation Thursday in the abandoned mine, while more pumps from Odisha Fire and Disaster service are to be pressed into services in more abandoned mines, they said.

The divers from the Indian navy and the NDRF did not go down the main shaft to rescue the trapped miners because 'de-watering' was going on in the nearby mines and there was no significant decrease in water level there, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI, giving details of the operation on the 21st day of the disaster.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a>: Supreme Court says it’s a very serious situation and it’s a question of life and death of 15 coal miners who are trapped. <a href="https://t.co/DKJjSg8j1m">https://t.co/DKJjSg8j1m</a>
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The spokesperson said the services of the Navy and NDRF divers will be used once the water level at the main shaft decreases to about 100 feet from its current level of over 160 feet.

A high powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd, which arrived here Tuesday night, is expected to be fully operational and begin pumping Thursday, Susngi said.

Susngi also said the Odisha team is expected to operate more pumps on Thursday in the nearby abandoned mine shafts in East Jaintia Hills district. District Authorities said there are at least 90 such abandoned mine shafts in the area and at present, they are all full of water.

The rescue officials believe that the nearby mines may be connected with the main shaft due to which water level is not going down there.

Five more pumps with similar power and functions from Coal India Ltd are on the way by road from their various centres across the country.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with Meghalaya government's measures to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills.

The Supreme Court of India has expressed dissatisfaction with Meghalaya government's measures to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in East Jaintia Hills. The apex court has asked what steps the state government has taken to rescue the miners. Meghalaya government had submitted before the top court stating, "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," news agency ANI reported. The Supreme Court asked "why are they not successful?" in rescuing the trapped miners after all the effort that is being undertaken. #Meghalayaminers: Meghalaya govt submits before SC, "the state is taking steps to rescue the trapped miners. 72 NDRF personnel, 14 Navy personnel&Coal India personnel are working since Dec 14.". SC asks, “Then, why are they not successful?”, asks SC. — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall. The divers from the Indian Navy and the NDRF on Wednesday could not go down the 370 foot-deep mine, in which 15 miners are trapped for nearly three weeks, even as draining out of a nearby abandoned mine they believe may be connected to it continued, officials said. #Meghalayaminers: Supreme Court tells Meghalaya government that we are not satisfied with the rescue operations. 15 miners are trapped in an illegal flooded coal mine in East Jaintia Hills since December 13 last year. pic.twitter.com/DvXuAawxrc — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × A high-powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd will be put into operation Thursday in the abandoned mine, while more pumps from Odisha Fire and Disaster service are to be pressed into services in more abandoned mines, they said. The divers from the Indian navy and the NDRF did not go down the main shaft to rescue the trapped miners because 'de-watering' was going on in the nearby mines and there was no significant decrease in water level there, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI, giving details of the operation on the 21st day of the disaster. #Meghalayaminers: Supreme Court says it’s a very serious situation and it’s a question of life and death of 15 coal miners who are trapped. https://t.co/DKJjSg8j1m — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2019 × The spokesperson said the services of the Navy and NDRF divers will be used once the water level at the main shaft decreases to about 100 feet from its current level of over 160 feet. A high powered submersible pump from Coal India Ltd, which arrived here Tuesday night, is expected to be fully operational and begin pumping Thursday, Susngi said. Susngi also said the Odisha team is expected to operate more pumps on Thursday in the nearby abandoned mine shafts in East Jaintia Hills district. District Authorities said there are at least 90 such abandoned mine shafts in the area and at present, they are all full of water. The rescue officials believe that the nearby mines may be connected with the main shaft due to which water level is not going down there. Five more pumps with similar power and functions from Coal India Ltd are on the way by road from their various centres across the country. (With inputs from PTI)

Not satisfied with steps taken for Meghalaya miners' rescue: Supreme Court slams state government 

Even as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-technical-snag-in-pumps-hinder-rescue-operations-187708">high-pressure pumps </a>were deployed to drain out water from the inundated illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills for almost three hours on Monday afternoon there is no change in the water level.

More than a fortnight has passed since 15 miners get trapped inside an illegal coal mine here rescuers are struggling hard to pump out water from the inundated mine.

"The Indian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-navy-divers-want-water-level-reduced-to-facilitate-operation-187641">Navy Divers</a> along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel went down inside the main shaft at 4.30 pm to check the water level under the main shaft and reported that the water level has not changed," an Odisha Fire Service official said.

The Odisha Fire services have stopped pumping the water from the nearby old shaft located about 500 meters from the main shaft.

"After three hours of pumping the water out from the old shaft located nearby it was found that the water level in the old Shaft descended only by 6 inches," said the Odisha Fire Service official.

The official told that only after 8 hours of pumping the water level can be determined.

On Sunday the divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in search of the 15 trapped miners returned disappointed after diving up to 70 feet deep.

Along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20-member team of Odisha Fire Service is engaged in rescue operations.

The Odisha Fire Service team is equipped with 15 high-pressure pumps to drain out water from the mine in which the miners are trapped.

As many as 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.&nbsp;

Even as high-pressure pumps were deployed to drain out water from the inundated illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills for almost three hours on Monday afternoon there is no change in the water level.

Even as high-pressure pumps were deployed to drain out water from the inundated illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills for almost three hours on Monday afternoon there is no change in the water level. More than a fortnight has passed since 15 miners get trapped inside an illegal coal mine here rescuers are struggling hard to pump out water from the inundated mine. "The Indian Navy Divers along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel went down inside the main shaft at 4.30 pm to check the water level under the main shaft and reported that the water level has not changed," an Odisha Fire Service official said. The Odisha Fire services have stopped pumping the water from the nearby old shaft located about 500 meters from the main shaft. "After three hours of pumping the water out from the old shaft located nearby it was found that the water level in the old Shaft descended only by 6 inches," said the Odisha Fire Service official. The official told that only after 8 hours of pumping the water level can be determined. On Sunday the divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in search of the 15 trapped miners returned disappointed after diving up to 70 feet deep. Along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 20-member team of Odisha Fire Service is engaged in rescue operations. The Odisha Fire Service team is equipped with 15 high-pressure pumps to drain out water from the mine in which the miners are trapped. As many as 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.

Meghalaya miners rescue: No change in water level even after using high-pressure pumps

Indian Navy divers on Monday again entered the flooded mine in Meghalaya, where 15 miners are trapped, and said the search would be feasible only after the water level inside the shaft is reduced to a safe diving limit of 30 metres.

On the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-ndrf-begin-joint-operation-navy-divers-to-make-fresh-attempt-today-187497">18th day of the operation</a>, the Navy divers stayed inside the shaft for three hours with a hi-tech gadget, Under Water Remotely Operated Vehicle (UWROV), and found visibility to be very poor, only one foot, operation spokesperson R Susngi said.

"The Indian Navy suggested that the administration dewater using pumps to reduce the water level inside the mine shaft till about 30 metres (98 feet) or within safe diving limit before they commence diving," Susngi said.

According to the Navy, all precautions are being taken to ensure that divers do not suffer from decompression sickness, which is usually experienced in a compressed environment as that of the mine in Lumthari village.

Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall.

The depth of water from the surface till the bottom of the pit is expected to be over 150 feet, Navy officials said.

Six divers from the Navy and the NDRF went down the shaft of the mine Sunday and spent around two hours to trace the miners but could not detect anything.

However, Susngi said, during their three-hour stay inside the shaft on Monday, the divers found some wooden structures and a horizontal hole, commonly termed as "rat hole", with coal at its mouth.

The site is being cleared for the Odisha Fire Service to start pumping water from the main shaft, he said.

At least 10 high-powered pumps from the Odisha Fire Service, along with 21 personnel, have reached the spot Sunday.

There are at least 80-90 other abandoned mine shafts that are full of water near the affected mine.

Ace mining mishap expert Jaswant Singh Gill suspected that the mines in the area are inter-connected and the theory was also agreed to by locals.

A submersible pump from the Coal India Limited (CIL), which was expected to reach the mine by Sunday night, is yet to arrive till last reports came in.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Indian Navy divers on Monday again entered the flooded mine in Meghalaya, where 15 miners are trapped, and said the search would be feasible only after the water level inside the shaft is reduced to a safe diving limit of 30 metres.

Indian Navy divers on Monday again entered the flooded mine in Meghalaya, where 15 miners are trapped, and said the search would be feasible only after the water level inside the shaft is reduced to a safe diving limit of 30 metres. On the 18th day of the operation, the Navy divers stayed inside the shaft for three hours with a hi-tech gadget, Under Water Remotely Operated Vehicle (UWROV), and found visibility to be very poor, only one foot, operation spokesperson R Susngi said. "The Indian Navy suggested that the administration dewater using pumps to reduce the water level inside the mine shaft till about 30 metres (98 feet) or within safe diving limit before they commence diving," Susngi said. According to the Navy, all precautions are being taken to ensure that divers do not suffer from decompression sickness, which is usually experienced in a compressed environment as that of the mine in Lumthari village. Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall. The depth of water from the surface till the bottom of the pit is expected to be over 150 feet, Navy officials said. Six divers from the Navy and the NDRF went down the shaft of the mine Sunday and spent around two hours to trace the miners but could not detect anything. However, Susngi said, during their three-hour stay inside the shaft on Monday, the divers found some wooden structures and a horizontal hole, commonly termed as "rat hole", with coal at its mouth. The site is being cleared for the Odisha Fire Service to start pumping water from the main shaft, he said. At least 10 high-powered pumps from the Odisha Fire Service, along with 21 personnel, have reached the spot Sunday. There are at least 80-90 other abandoned mine shafts that are full of water near the affected mine. Ace mining mishap expert Jaswant Singh Gill suspected that the mines in the area are inter-connected and the theory was also agreed to by locals. A submersible pump from the Coal India Limited (CIL), which was expected to reach the mine by Sunday night, is yet to arrive till last reports came in.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Navy divers want water level reduced before operation resumes

On the 18th day of rescue operation for 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, Navy divers will attempt diving again today with sophisticated equipment called drager.&nbsp;

Drager is a capsule which enables one to diver further, deeper. With the help of the equipment, the divers hope to reach the mouth of the mine where miners are believed to be stuck.&nbsp;

However, the chilling water of the river inside the mine is likely to pose a threat to the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Odisha state department's high-capacity water pumps are stationed at the site to suck&nbsp;out water from the nearby shafts.&nbsp;

Coal India is expected to send special submersible pumps of 100 horsepower which can help in taking water out from the mines more effectively. The pumps may reach the site today or by Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Navy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-navy-divers-return-without-any-trace-of-trapped-miners-187408">divers on Sunday</a> went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills. The team returned disappointed after diving upto 70 feet deep, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Despite the deep dive, the team was not able to reach the ground level. SK Singh, Assistant Commandant, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said, "Divers have come out now. They have said that the depth of water is too much. They dived till 70 feet down but still have not been able to reach the ground level."

"Water is chilling which makes it difficult for divers to carry out the operation. We are trying our best. Tomorrow Navy Team will go inside with sophisticated equipment that they have. We are hoping for a better output tomorrow," said the official.

A 15-member diving team of the Navy from Vishakhapatnam arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday.

The Indian Air Force had also provided two aircraft to Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the NDRF from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations. Union Defence Ministry has promised all help to the state government.

15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. Water from the nearby river Lytein has flooded the mine making rescue operations more challenging.

On the 18th day of rescue operation for 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, Navy divers will attempt diving again today with sophisticated equipment called drager.

On the 18th day of rescue operation for 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, Navy divers will attempt diving again today with sophisticated equipment called drager. Drager is a capsule which enables one to diver further, deeper. With the help of the equipment, the divers hope to reach the mouth of the mine where miners are believed to be stuck. However, the chilling water of the river inside the mine is likely to pose a threat to the rescue operation. Meanwhile, Odisha state department's high-capacity water pumps are stationed at the site to suck out water from the nearby shafts. Coal India is expected to send special submersible pumps of 100 horsepower which can help in taking water out from the mines more effectively. The pumps may reach the site today or by Tuesday morning. Navy divers on Sunday went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills. The team returned disappointed after diving upto 70 feet deep, news agency PTI reported. Despite the deep dive, the team was not able to reach the ground level. SK Singh, Assistant Commandant, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said, "Divers have come out now. They have said that the depth of water is too much. They dived till 70 feet down but still have not been able to reach the ground level." "Water is chilling which makes it difficult for divers to carry out the operation. We are trying our best. Tomorrow Navy Team will go inside with sophisticated equipment that they have. We are hoping for a better output tomorrow," said the official. A 15-member diving team of the Navy from Vishakhapatnam arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday. The Indian Air Force had also provided two aircraft to Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the NDRF from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations. Union Defence Ministry has promised all help to the state government. 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. Water from the nearby river Lytein has flooded the mine making rescue operations more challenging.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Navy divers to make another attempt today with specialised equipment

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The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-technical-snag-in-pumps-hinder-rescue-operations-187708">Meghalaya miners rescue: Technical snag in pumps hinder rescue operations</a>

The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said.

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she will be the "premier of all" Bangladeshis and her government's first priority would be to continue the economic reforms.

Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League and its allies won a landslide victory in the general elections on Sunday, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">safety</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741"> of soldiers: PM Modi</a>

"Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties. Meghalaya miners rescue: Technical snag in pumps hinder rescue operations The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said. ATF price cut by 14.7%; costs less than petrol, diesel Jet fuel price Tuesday was cut by a record 14.7 per cent on the back of decline in international rates, making it cheaper than both petrol and diesel. The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) -- used to power airplanes -- was slashed by Rs 9,990 per kilolitre, or 14.7 per cent, to Rs 58,060.97 per kl, according to price notification issued by state-owned oil firms. I will be everyone's premier, first priority to continue economic reforms: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she will be the "premier of all" Bangladeshis and her government's first priority would be to continue the economic reforms. Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League and its allies won a landslide victory in the general elections on Sunday, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls. Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about safety of soldiers: PM Modi "Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-navy-divers-want-water-level-reduced-to-facilitate-operation-187641">Fifteen miners are trapped</a> inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall.

On the 20th day of the operation, Indian Navy personnel resumed with their diving using unmanned remotely operated vehicles with assistance of the NRDF in the main shaft, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI.

"There were some technical problems with the machines and the rescue operation was affected," he said.

The depth of the shaft is a little over 370 foot (113 metre), Susngi said quoting the Navy, and added that the water level inside the vertical shaft is at 161 foot (49 metre), he said.

Work is on to get the pumps ready. The fire services team from Odisha is also preparing to resume pumping from the two shafts nearby.

Susngi said there was slight dip in the water level in the mine shaft, but it was not significant enough.

The district administration is procuring a third crane which will be used in the abandoned mine shafts.

The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said.

The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said. Fifteen miners are trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13 after water from a nearby river gushed in, puncturing the mine wall. On the 20th day of the operation, Indian Navy personnel resumed with their diving using unmanned remotely operated vehicles with assistance of the NRDF in the main shaft, operation spokesperson R Susngi told PTI. "There were some technical problems with the machines and the rescue operation was affected," he said. The depth of the shaft is a little over 370 foot (113 metre), Susngi said quoting the Navy, and added that the water level inside the vertical shaft is at 161 foot (49 metre), he said. Work is on to get the pumps ready. The fire services team from Odisha is also preparing to resume pumping from the two shafts nearby. Susngi said there was slight dip in the water level in the mine shaft, but it was not significant enough. The district administration is procuring a third crane which will be used in the abandoned mine shafts.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Technical snag in pumps hinder rescue operations

The divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills returned disappointed on Sunday after diving upto 70 feet deep.

Despite the deep dive, the team was not able to reach the ground level. SK Singh, Assistant Commandant, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said, "Divers have come out now.&nbsp;They have said that the depth of water is too much. They dived till 70 feet down but still have not been able to reach the ground level."

"Water is chilling which makes it difficult for divers to carry out the operation. We are trying our best. Tomorrow Navy Team will go inside with sophisticated equipment that they have. We are hoping for a better output tomorrow," said the official.

Earlier in the day, Navy divers went inside the inundated coal mines to rescue 15 miners who are trapped inside since December 13. A 15-member diving team of the Navy from Vishakhapatnam arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday.

The diving team of the Navy which arrived on Saturday is equipped with specialised equipment, including high-pressure pumps and a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater.

The Indian Air Force had also provided two aircraft to Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the NDRF from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations. Union Defence Ministry has promised all help to the state government.

The 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village here since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.

The divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills returned disappointed on Sunday after diving upto 70 feet deep.

The divers of Indian Navy who went inside the inundated mine in the search of the 15 trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills returned disappointed on Sunday after diving upto 70 feet deep. Despite the deep dive, the team was not able to reach the ground level. SK Singh, Assistant Commandant, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said, "Divers have come out now. They have said that the depth of water is too much. They dived till 70 feet down but still have not been able to reach the ground level." "Water is chilling which makes it difficult for divers to carry out the operation. We are trying our best. Tomorrow Navy Team will go inside with sophisticated equipment that they have. We are hoping for a better output tomorrow," said the official. Earlier in the day, Navy divers went inside the inundated coal mines to rescue 15 miners who are trapped inside since December 13. A 15-member diving team of the Navy from Vishakhapatnam arrived at Meghalaya on Saturday. The diving team of the Navy which arrived on Saturday is equipped with specialised equipment, including high-pressure pumps and a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater. The Indian Air Force had also provided two aircraft to Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the NDRF from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations. Union Defence Ministry has promised all help to the state government. The 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village here since December 13, when the water from the nearby river Lytein flooded the mine.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Navy divers return without any trace of trapped miners

Meghalaya miners rescue: Navy divers attempt another mission

A joint operation by the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) began on Monday morning with an aim to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy conducted a survey of the mine using Under Water Remotely Vehicle (UWROV) earlier today.&nbsp;

The Navy has requested Meghalaya district administration to assist in the dewatering of the mine to facilitate diving operations.&nbsp;

The NDRF is available on the site with two teams to provide all possible support and assistance to other agencies including the Navy.&nbsp;

On the 18th day of rescue operation, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-rescue-navy-divers-to-make-another-attempt-today-with-specialised-equipment-187453">Navy divers will attempt diving again </a>today with sophisticated equipment called drager.&nbsp;

Drager is a capsule which enables one to diver further, deeper. With the help of the equipment, the divers hope to reach the mouth of the mine where miners are believed to be stuck.&nbsp;

However, the chilling water of the river inside the mine is likely to pose a threat to the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Odisha state department's high-capacity water pumps are stationed at the site to suck out water from the nearby shafts.&nbsp;

Coal India is expected to send special submersible pumps of 100 horsepower which can help in taking water out from the mines more effectively. The pumps may reach the site today or by Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-rescue-navy-divers-to-make-another-attempt-today-with-specialised-equipment-187453">15 miners have been trapped</a> in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. Water from the nearby river Lytein has flooded the mine making rescue operations more challenging.

A joint operation by the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) began on Monday morning with an aim to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya.

A joint operation by the Indian Navy and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) began on Monday morning with an aim to rescue 15 miners stuck in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya. The Indian Navy conducted a survey of the mine using Under Water Remotely Vehicle (UWROV) earlier today. The Navy has requested Meghalaya district administration to assist in the dewatering of the mine to facilitate diving operations. The NDRF is available on the site with two teams to provide all possible support and assistance to other agencies including the Navy. On the 18th day of rescue operation, Navy divers will attempt diving again today with sophisticated equipment called drager. Drager is a capsule which enables one to diver further, deeper. With the help of the equipment, the divers hope to reach the mouth of the mine where miners are believed to be stuck. However, the chilling water of the river inside the mine is likely to pose a threat to the rescue operation. Meanwhile, Odisha state department's high-capacity water pumps are stationed at the site to suck out water from the nearby shafts. Coal India is expected to send special submersible pumps of 100 horsepower which can help in taking water out from the mines more effectively. The pumps may reach the site today or by Tuesday morning. 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-feet deep illegal mine in Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. Water from the nearby river Lytein has flooded the mine making rescue operations more challenging.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy, NDRF begin joint operation; Navy divers to make fresh attempt

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

The Navy divers and their equipment arrived at the site around 1.30 pm Sunday after which the Navy personnel started measuring the actual level of the water in the mine shaft.&nbsp;

The 10 pumps brought by the rescue team from Odisha have been kept on standby. Meanwhile, the divers have also been kept on standby, the officials said.

The Navy wanted to ascertain the water level as their divers can operate up to 100 feet in a closed container-type situation, a district official said.

Nearly 200 rescuers from various agencies are stationed at the site. The Odisha Fire Service team had brought 10 high-powered pumps with them.

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East Jaintia Hills: Visuals of operations underway to rescue the trapped miners. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalayaminers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalayaminers</a> <a href="https://t.co/6eaPArPqpd">pic.twitter.com/6eaPArPqpd</a>
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East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtynger said that at least two pumps will have to be lowered down to the water level inside the mine shaft to begin the operation.

Odisha Chief Fire Officer S Sethi said his team was tasked with pumping water out and they are ready for the job.

"Our only concern is that if we install the pumps now, the carbon exhaust may suffocate the entire mine shaft," Sethi said.

The remaining eight pumps will be placed at various locations identified in the area, he said.

One high-powered submersible pumps with an output capacity of 500 gallons per minute is arriving Sunday from CIL Ranchi, CIL Kolkata GM A K Bharali said.

Bharali, who arrived here four days ago, said that as soon as the generators and platforms are made available at the mine shaft, the pumping of water will begin.

Five more pumps from CIL Centres in Ranchi, Dhanbad and Asansol are on road and are expected to arrive anytime, he said.

A senior district official said a few pumps of Coal India Ltd have arrived in Guwahati and are expected to reach the site soon.

A team of 25 CIL personnel are at the site and survey teams are doing their job, Bharali said.

The miners have been trapped in the mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, after water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating the rescue operations with the help of Navy, the NDMA and Coal India Ltd.

"The Navy divers have reported that they have the capacity to go a depth of 100 feet, whereas the NDRF divers can go to a depth of 30 feet," East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtyngerthe said.

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said. The Navy divers and their equipment arrived at the site around 1.30 pm Sunday after which the Navy personnel started measuring the actual level of the water in the mine shaft. The 10 pumps brought by the rescue team from Odisha have been kept on standby. Meanwhile, the divers have also been kept on standby, the officials said. The Navy wanted to ascertain the water level as their divers can operate up to 100 feet in a closed container-type situation, a district official said. Nearly 200 rescuers from various agencies are stationed at the site. The Odisha Fire Service team had brought 10 high-powered pumps with them. East Jaintia Hills: Visuals of operations underway to rescue the trapped miners. #Meghalayaminers pic.twitter.com/6eaPArPqpd — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtynger said that at least two pumps will have to be lowered down to the water level inside the mine shaft to begin the operation. Odisha Chief Fire Officer S Sethi said his team was tasked with pumping water out and they are ready for the job. "Our only concern is that if we install the pumps now, the carbon exhaust may suffocate the entire mine shaft," Sethi said. The remaining eight pumps will be placed at various locations identified in the area, he said. One high-powered submersible pumps with an output capacity of 500 gallons per minute is arriving Sunday from CIL Ranchi, CIL Kolkata GM A K Bharali said. Bharali, who arrived here four days ago, said that as soon as the generators and platforms are made available at the mine shaft, the pumping of water will begin. Five more pumps from CIL Centres in Ranchi, Dhanbad and Asansol are on road and are expected to arrive anytime, he said. A senior district official said a few pumps of Coal India Ltd have arrived in Guwahati and are expected to reach the site soon. A team of 25 CIL personnel are at the site and survey teams are doing their job, Bharali said. The miners have been trapped in the mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district since December 13, after water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating the rescue operations with the help of Navy, the NDMA and Coal India Ltd. "The Navy divers have reported that they have the capacity to go a depth of 100 feet, whereas the NDRF divers can go to a depth of 30 feet," East Jaintia Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtyngerthe said.

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level

As operation to rescue <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">15 trapped miners</a> continue at the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, a survivor of the December 13 accident said Saturday there is no way the trapped miners will come out alive.

Sahib Ali, hailing from Assam's Chirang district, is one of the five men who narrowly escaped the flooding coal mine a fortnight ago.

He said four others who made it alive had fled to their homes in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.

"There were 22 of us who went in that day. I had worked for two weeks. Many are diggers who went to the farthest part of the mine. Some are cart pullers like me and we all work in a synchronised manner in small holes that barely fit a big man," Ali told PTI over phone Saturday.

He said four of those who escaped were the men who were tasked with loading coal into the metal box.

Recounting the December 13 nightmare, Ali said," all men started work early at about 5 am. By about 7 am, the entire mine was full of water."

"I was about 5 to 6 feet inside the mine pulling a cart full of coal. For some unknown reasons, I could feel a breeze inside the mine which was unusual. What followed was big sound of water gushing in. I barely made it to the opening of the pit," Ali said.

"There is no way the trapped men will be alive. How long can a person hold his breath underwater?" he added.

Going by Ali's story, at least 17 people are still trapped inside the illegal coal pit as only five narrowly escaped the flooding mine out of the 22 men who went in.

"My only hope is to see that their bodies pulled out and last rites be carried out as per traditions," a sobbing Ali said.

On December 13, he spent the entire day at the flooded mine and slept in a nearby active coal mine in the night, he said.

The ill-fated mine is roughly 370 feet and as of December 29, the rescue officials have calculated that about 170 feet is full of water, an NDRF official said.

In Lumthari village where Ali and his fellow miners went to work, coal is found roughly between 200-500 feet underneath the ground.

Asked on what prompted him to go and work in the dangerous coal mines of Meghalaya, Ali said the mines promised a big amount of money at the end of the week.

"I earn between Rs 800-1500 on a full day of work at the mine. I had in mind that I will work for sometime only and return home," he said.

Family members of at least 7 trapped miners, hailing from West Garo Hills district of the state, have already given up hope to rescue their kins alive and requested the government to retrieve the bodies for the last rites.

Shohor Ali who hails from Magurmari village in West Garo Hills district and whose son, brother and son-in-law were among the victims at Lumthari village, told PTI, "We have lost all hope to see them alive. I just wanted the authorities to help retrieve the dead bodies for their last rites."

The three were allegedly lured to the coal mines at Lumthari as it involves bigger wages and on an average each miner gets paid Rs 2000 per day, he said.

Kins of four other victims also did not sound optimistic of seeing their dear ones alive.

Shohar Ali was among the first people who came to know of the accident when he received a call within minutes when the mine was flooded.

One of the 5 persons who narrowly escaped the flooded mine called him up to inform of the accident.

Ali, in turn, called up his MLA (Rajabala constituency) Azad Aman to find out about the accident and who later called up the SP of the district to verify.

It took the police several hours before finally locating the place where the accident took place, the MLA said.

In all, 7 persons from Rajabala in West Garo Hills district, 3 from Lumthari village itself, and the other 5 from Assam have been confirmed to have been trapped inside the ill-fated mine.

The state government had announced a Rs 1 lakh interim relief on December 22 to the family members of each of the 15 miners trapped and feared dead, 10 days after the accident took place.

As operation to rescue 15 trapped miners continue at the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, a survivor of the December 13 accident said Saturday there is no way the trapped miners will come out alive.

As operation to rescue 15 trapped miners continue at the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, a survivor of the December 13 accident said Saturday there is no way the trapped miners will come out alive. Sahib Ali, hailing from Assam's Chirang district, is one of the five men who narrowly escaped the flooding coal mine a fortnight ago. He said four others who made it alive had fled to their homes in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. "There were 22 of us who went in that day. I had worked for two weeks. Many are diggers who went to the farthest part of the mine. Some are cart pullers like me and we all work in a synchronised manner in small holes that barely fit a big man," Ali told PTI over phone Saturday. He said four of those who escaped were the men who were tasked with loading coal into the metal box. Recounting the December 13 nightmare, Ali said," all men started work early at about 5 am. By about 7 am, the entire mine was full of water." "I was about 5 to 6 feet inside the mine pulling a cart full of coal. For some unknown reasons, I could feel a breeze inside the mine which was unusual. What followed was big sound of water gushing in. I barely made it to the opening of the pit," Ali said. "There is no way the trapped men will be alive. How long can a person hold his breath underwater?" he added. Going by Ali's story, at least 17 people are still trapped inside the illegal coal pit as only five narrowly escaped the flooding mine out of the 22 men who went in. "My only hope is to see that their bodies pulled out and last rites be carried out as per traditions," a sobbing Ali said. On December 13, he spent the entire day at the flooded mine and slept in a nearby active coal mine in the night, he said. The ill-fated mine is roughly 370 feet and as of December 29, the rescue officials have calculated that about 170 feet is full of water, an NDRF official said. In Lumthari village where Ali and his fellow miners went to work, coal is found roughly between 200-500 feet underneath the ground. Asked on what prompted him to go and work in the dangerous coal mines of Meghalaya, Ali said the mines promised a big amount of money at the end of the week. "I earn between Rs 800-1500 on a full day of work at the mine. I had in mind that I will work for sometime only and return home," he said. Family members of at least 7 trapped miners, hailing from West Garo Hills district of the state, have already given up hope to rescue their kins alive and requested the government to retrieve the bodies for the last rites. Shohor Ali who hails from Magurmari village in West Garo Hills district and whose son, brother and son-in-law were among the victims at Lumthari village, told PTI, "We have lost all hope to see them alive. I just wanted the authorities to help retrieve the dead bodies for their last rites." The three were allegedly lured to the coal mines at Lumthari as it involves bigger wages and on an average each miner gets paid Rs 2000 per day, he said. Kins of four other victims also did not sound optimistic of seeing their dear ones alive. Shohar Ali was among the first people who came to know of the accident when he received a call within minutes when the mine was flooded. One of the 5 persons who narrowly escaped the flooded mine called him up to inform of the accident. Ali, in turn, called up his MLA (Rajabala constituency) Azad Aman to find out about the accident and who later called up the SP of the district to verify. It took the police several hours before finally locating the place where the accident took place, the MLA said. In all, 7 persons from Rajabala in West Garo Hills district, 3 from Lumthari village itself, and the other 5 from Assam have been confirmed to have been trapped inside the ill-fated mine. The state government had announced a Rs 1 lakh interim relief on December 22 to the family members of each of the 15 miners trapped and feared dead, 10 days after the accident took place.

Meghalaya: Trapped miners won't come out alive, says survivor who escaped on Dec 13

The rescue team in Meghalaya's Khelerihaat has recovered three helmets in an effort to pull out 15 miners trapped in a rat-hole mine since December 13, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

NDRF Assistant Commandant SK Singh told ANI, "three helmets have been recovered." No update on the miners has been received so far.&nbsp;

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East Jaintia Hills in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>: Operations to rescue 13 trapped miners underway in Khelerihaat for the 18th day. SK Singh, Asst Commandant NDRF, says "three helmets have been recovered" (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/Z1jDbOpP31">pic.twitter.com/Z1jDbOpP31</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078874154781339650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The development comes shortly after the Indian Air Force on Friday provided two aircraft to the Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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East Jaintia Hills in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a>: Operations to rescue 13 trapped miners underway for the 18th day. Three helmets have been recovered <a href="https://t.co/ew4pElcNtg">pic.twitter.com/ew4pElcNtg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078878419063054343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Indian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-forces-super-hercules-plane-joins-rescue-ops-in-meghalaya-high-power-pumps-airlifted-186965">Air Force joined the rescue operation</a> and airlifted 10 pumps from Bhubaneswar. Its personnel have landed in Guwahati, 270 kilometres away from the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine, they said.&nbsp;Indian Navy divers are also expected to join the rescue operations on today.&nbsp;

A 20-member team of the Odisha Fire Services also left for Shillong with equipment, including high-powered pumps, high-tech equipment and gadgets on Friday.

The Navy spokesman said in a tweet that a 15-member diving team from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh will reach the site in the remote Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district Saturday morning.

"The team is carrying specialised diving equipment including a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater," he said.

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India were jointly moving <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-high-powered-pumps-being-moved-to-meghalaya-mining-site-187047">18 high-powered pumps</a> to drain water out of the 37-foot-deep mine. A team of surveyers from the two companies also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

15 miners have been trapped in a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. The illegal mine is reported to have been flooded, exhibiting bleak chances of miners' survival.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The rescue team in Meghalaya's Khelerihaat has recovered three helmets in an effort to pull out 15 miners trapped in a rat-hole mine since December 13, news agency ANI reported.

The rescue team in Meghalaya's Khelerihaat has recovered three helmets in an effort to pull out 15 miners trapped in a rat-hole mine since December 13, news agency ANI reported. NDRF Assistant Commandant SK Singh told ANI, "three helmets have been recovered." No update on the miners has been received so far. East Jaintia Hills in #Meghalaya: Operations to rescue 13 trapped miners underway in Khelerihaat for the 18th day. SK Singh, Asst Commandant NDRF, says "three helmets have been recovered" (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Z1jDbOpP31 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The development comes shortly after the Indian Air Force on Friday provided two aircraft to the Meghalaya government for airlifting specialist personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Odisha for helping in the rescue operations, news agency PTI reported. East Jaintia Hills in #Meghalaya: Operations to rescue 13 trapped miners underway for the 18th day. Three helmets have been recovered pic.twitter.com/ew4pElcNtg — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × The Indian Air Force joined the rescue operation and airlifted 10 pumps from Bhubaneswar. Its personnel have landed in Guwahati, 270 kilometres away from the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine, they said. Indian Navy divers are also expected to join the rescue operations on today. A 20-member team of the Odisha Fire Services also left for Shillong with equipment, including high-powered pumps, high-tech equipment and gadgets on Friday. The Navy spokesman said in a tweet that a 15-member diving team from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh will reach the site in the remote Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district Saturday morning. "The team is carrying specialised diving equipment including a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater," he said. Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India were jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to drain water out of the 37-foot-deep mine. A team of surveyers from the two companies also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. The illegal mine is reported to have been flooded, exhibiting bleak chances of miners' survival. (With inputs from agencies)

Meghalaya miners rescue: 'Three helmets have been recovered,' says NDRF

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-wont-let-triple-talaq-bill-pass-in-rajya-sabha-k-c-venugopal-187198">Opposition Congress</a> in Meghalaya has urged the state government to take steps for legalising coal mining, alleging "rampant" unlawful mining activities in the region.

The demand comes following the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-indian-navy-divers-arrive-at-site-join-operations-187204">coal mine disaster in Meghalaya</a> in which 15 people are still trapped in a flooded illegal rat-hole mine at Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13.

"Why the state government is not taking up the matter of regularising coal mining in the state with the Centre? Legalising mining and strong regulations to surround the activity is the only way out," senior Congress leader Ampareen Lyngdoh said.

Lyngdoh had on Friday led a six-member opposition team to the accident site and made recommendations to the state government for rescue efforts.

"Fresh coal dumps are seen on both sides of the road from Khliehriat till Lumthari. This is evident of the rampant illegal mining that is still going on in the state," she alleged.

"It seems lawlessness is becoming supreme here. There were not enough forces to implement the ban either," the Congress leader said.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 imposed a blanket ban on mining and transportation of coal in the state for its adverse environmental effect and the absence of safety measures for the miners.

The Shillong East MLA said Meghalaya government has failed to call an all-party meeting to discuss on the need to resolve the ongoing ban.

"The government should call us, as we need to fight for legalising (coal mining) since we cannot stop it," she added. PTI

The Opposition Congress in Meghalaya has urged the state government to take steps for legalising coal mining, alleging "rampant" unlawful mining activities in the region.

The Opposition Congress in Meghalaya has urged the state government to take steps for legalising coal mining, alleging "rampant" unlawful mining activities in the region. The demand comes following the coal mine disaster in Meghalaya in which 15 people are still trapped in a flooded illegal rat-hole mine at Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13. "Why the state government is not taking up the matter of regularising coal mining in the state with the Centre? Legalising mining and strong regulations to surround the activity is the only way out," senior Congress leader Ampareen Lyngdoh said. Lyngdoh had on Friday led a six-member opposition team to the accident site and made recommendations to the state government for rescue efforts. "Fresh coal dumps are seen on both sides of the road from Khliehriat till Lumthari. This is evident of the rampant illegal mining that is still going on in the state," she alleged. "It seems lawlessness is becoming supreme here. There were not enough forces to implement the ban either," the Congress leader said. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 imposed a blanket ban on mining and transportation of coal in the state for its adverse environmental effect and the absence of safety measures for the miners. The Shillong East MLA said Meghalaya government has failed to call an all-party meeting to discuss on the need to resolve the ongoing ban. "The government should call us, as we need to fight for legalising (coal mining) since we cannot stop it," she added. PTI

Congress demands legalising coal mining in Meghalaya

Meghalaya mine collapse: 15 member team of Navy Divers to join rescue operation

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-three-helmets-have-been-recovered-says-ndrf-187110">mine in Meghalaya</a> since December 13, a senior official said.

The 15-member team, equipped with specialised diving equipment including a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater, went straightway to the mine site in the&nbsp;remote Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district.

They were thoroughly briefed by the NDRF personnel, who were supervising the entire rescue operations since their arrival on December 14, a senior official of the East Jaintia Hills district said.

A team of rescuers with 10 high-powered Kirloskar pumps has also reached the spot from Bhubaneshwar, District Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.

The mechanical teams are doing the preparatory works and the pumps are expected to begin operations any time now, the SP added.

Another 8 high powered pumps mobilised by Coal India Ltd are on the road and are expected to arrive in another 2 to 3 days, North Eastern Coalfields general manager J Bora said.

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India were jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to drain water out of the 37-foot-deep mine.&nbsp;

The rat-hole mine located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees had got flooded when water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers.

Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF )on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected to be dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine.

It said the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours.

A PTI reporter who went to the site on Friday reported that the mine is located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees. To reach the mine, a person has to pass the 30-foot wide Lytein river three times.

No habitation was found nearby and 80-90 illegal coal mines dot the area.

The reporter was told by locals that the illegal private mine was closed for a long time and opened for mining 2-3 days before the miners were trapped on December 13.

The mine is owned by Krip Schullet, a local who has been arrested since the incident came to the adminstration's knowledge, state officials said.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said.

A group of Indian Navy divers arrived from Vishakhapatnam Saturday to join operations underway to rescue 15 miners trapped in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya since December 13, a senior official said. The 15-member team, equipped with specialised diving equipment including a re-compression chamber and remotely operated vehicles capable of searching underwater, went straightway to the mine site in the remote Lumthari village in East Jaintia Hills district. They were thoroughly briefed by the NDRF personnel, who were supervising the entire rescue operations since their arrival on December 14, a senior official of the East Jaintia Hills district said. A team of rescuers with 10 high-powered Kirloskar pumps has also reached the spot from Bhubaneshwar, District Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI. The mechanical teams are doing the preparatory works and the pumps are expected to begin operations any time now, the SP added. Another 8 high powered pumps mobilised by Coal India Ltd are on the road and are expected to arrive in another 2 to 3 days, North Eastern Coalfields general manager J Bora said. Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India were jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to drain water out of the 37-foot-deep mine. The rat-hole mine located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees had got flooded when water from the nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers. Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF )on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected to be dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine. It said the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours. A PTI reporter who went to the site on Friday reported that the mine is located on top of a hillock fully covered with trees. To reach the mine, a person has to pass the 30-foot wide Lytein river three times. No habitation was found nearby and 80-90 illegal coal mines dot the area. The reporter was told by locals that the illegal private mine was closed for a long time and opened for mining 2-3 days before the miners were trapped on December 13. The mine is owned by Krip Schullet, a local who has been arrested since the incident came to the adminstration's knowledge, state officials said. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.

Meghalaya miners rescue: Indian Navy divers arrive at site, join operations

Meghalaya miners rescue: 15-member team of navy divers to join rescue operation

15 miners trapped in a mine in Meghalaya; Hopes for survival fades

Meghalaya: Indian Air Force joins mine rescue operation, 20 high-power pumps to be used

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India on Friday are jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to a remote coal mine here where 15 diggers have been trapped since its flooding a fortnight ago, officials said.

The Indian Air Force joined the rescue operation and airlifted 10 pumps from Bhubaneswar. Its personnel have landed in Guwahati, 270 kilometres away from the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine, they said.

Two surveyors from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd arrived at the site Thursday night from Pune and 10 pumps of the company are on the way to Shillong, East Jaintia Hills district Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.

General Manager of North Eastern Coalfields J Bora arrived with two officers of the company in the afternoon and they were followed by a 10-member team of experts of the Coal India (CIL) to the site to begin the assesment of the situation, he said.

The illegal rat-hole coal mine is located at Lumthari village near Khliehriat, the headquarters of East Jaintia Hills district. It got flooded when water from nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers.

Bora said CIL has mobilised eight high-powered pumps from its establishments across the country and the pumps will be transported to the site by road.

The farthest place from where a pump has been mobilised is Bilaspur in Chhatisgarh and the truck carrying it will take three to four days to arrive, Bora said.

The CIL team, he said, will conduct all necessary exercises prior to the arrival of the pumps and it will take about eight hours to complete the fitting of each pump before it can be put into operation.

"We are waiting for the initial 10 high-powered pumps. They will be brought here in the evening today," the SP said.

The high-powered pumps will be transported in trailers from Guwahati till about two kilometres from the accident site. From there vehicles have been requisitioned to carry them to the mine, a senior district official said.

Meanwhile, a 20-member team of the Odisha Fire Services Friday left for Shillong with equipment, including high-powered pumps, high-tech equipment and gadgets to assist the local administration in the search and rescue operation, a report from Bhubaneswar said.

Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said.

Kirloskar Brothers had volunteered to provide equipment to drain out the water from the mine to facilitate resumption of the halted search and rescue operation in the rat-hole coal pit.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital Thursday over the coal mine issue.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine.

It said in a statement that the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours.

Two NDRF teams are engaged in the search and rescue operation.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.&nbsp;

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India on Friday are jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to a remote coal mine here where 15 diggers have been trapped since its flooding a fortnight ago, officials said.

Pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and Coal India on Friday are jointly moving 18 high-powered pumps to a remote coal mine here where 15 diggers have been trapped since its flooding a fortnight ago, officials said. The Indian Air Force joined the rescue operation and airlifted 10 pumps from Bhubaneswar. Its personnel have landed in Guwahati, 270 kilometres away from the 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine, they said. Two surveyors from Kirloskar Brothers Ltd arrived at the site Thursday night from Pune and 10 pumps of the company are on the way to Shillong, East Jaintia Hills district Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI. General Manager of North Eastern Coalfields J Bora arrived with two officers of the company in the afternoon and they were followed by a 10-member team of experts of the Coal India (CIL) to the site to begin the assesment of the situation, he said. The illegal rat-hole coal mine is located at Lumthari village near Khliehriat, the headquarters of East Jaintia Hills district. It got flooded when water from nearby Lytein river gushed into it on December 13, trapping the 15 diggers. Bora said CIL has mobilised eight high-powered pumps from its establishments across the country and the pumps will be transported to the site by road. The farthest place from where a pump has been mobilised is Bilaspur in Chhatisgarh and the truck carrying it will take three to four days to arrive, Bora said. The CIL team, he said, will conduct all necessary exercises prior to the arrival of the pumps and it will take about eight hours to complete the fitting of each pump before it can be put into operation. "We are waiting for the initial 10 high-powered pumps. They will be brought here in the evening today," the SP said. The high-powered pumps will be transported in trailers from Guwahati till about two kilometres from the accident site. From there vehicles have been requisitioned to carry them to the mine, a senior district official said. Meanwhile, a 20-member team of the Odisha Fire Services Friday left for Shillong with equipment, including high-powered pumps, high-tech equipment and gadgets to assist the local administration in the search and rescue operation, a report from Bhubaneswar said. Pumping of water from the mine was suspended on Saturday last as there was no visible receding of the water level in it. The district authorities had written to the state government seeking high-powered pumps as the two 25 hp pumps, which were being used, were found to be inadequate, an official of the NDRF, which is involved in the rescue operation, said. Kirloskar Brothers had volunteered to provide equipment to drain out the water from the mine to facilitate resumption of the halted search and rescue operation in the rat-hole coal pit. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital Thursday over the coal mine issue. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the incident. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had on Thursday contradicted media reports which quoted it as saying the trapped minors were suspected dead on the basis of the foul odour the force's divers had smelt when they had gone inside the mine. It said in a statement that the foul smell could be due to the stagnant water in the mine as pumping had been halted for more than 48 hours. Two NDRF teams are engaged in the search and rescue operation. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes" as each just about fits one person.

18 high-powered pumps being moved to Meghalaya mining site

Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala goofed up in Lok Sabha on Thursday while mentioning the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-forces-super-hercules-plane-joins-rescue-ops-in-meghalaya-high-power-pumps-airlifted-186965">trapped miners in Meghalaya</a>.

While moving an adjournment notice on the trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills district, the minister accidentally said&nbsp;Mizoram instead of Meghalaya.

"There was a need to rescue the miners trapped in Mizoram," the&nbsp;minister said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the minister on Friday said that he was quite sure that most of the miners, trapped inside the rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, have died.

"I’m very sure most people have died, I came to know from local people that there is no chance of people there, those who survive, they run away since the mining was illegal", he said.

"Earlier, the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies", he added.

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Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghalayaMiners?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghalayaMiners</a>: Earlier the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies. <a href="https://t.co/QUnJYRhi4I">https://t.co/QUnJYRhi4I</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078551007431405568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The miners have been trapped since December 13 inside an illegal mine that has been flooded in Meghalaya amid dwindling hopes of finding them alive.

The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its transport planes to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of 15 miners who are trapped.&nbsp;

Rescue teams are posed with a challenge of clearing the water in the area first, subsequently proceeding with the rescue operation in the vertical mine shaft which will require the team to dig tunnels into the ground.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala goofed up in Lok Sabha on Thursday while mentioning the trapped miners in Meghalaya. While moving an adjournment notice on the trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills district, the minister accidentally said Mizoram instead of Meghalaya.

Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala goofed up in Lok Sabha on Thursday while mentioning the trapped miners in Meghalaya. While moving an adjournment notice on the trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills district, the minister accidentally said Mizoram instead of Meghalaya. "There was a need to rescue the miners trapped in Mizoram," the minister said. Meanwhile, the minister on Friday said that he was quite sure that most of the miners, trapped inside the rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, have died. "I’m very sure most people have died, I came to know from local people that there is no chance of people there, those who survive, they run away since the mining was illegal", he said. "Earlier, the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies", he added. Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala on #MeghalayaMiners: Earlier the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies. https://t.co/QUnJYRhi4I — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The miners have been trapped since December 13 inside an illegal mine that has been flooded in Meghalaya amid dwindling hopes of finding them alive. The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its transport planes to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of 15 miners who are trapped. Rescue teams are posed with a challenge of clearing the water in the area first, subsequently proceeding with the rescue operation in the vertical mine shaft which will require the team to dig tunnels into the ground. (With inputs from PTI)

'Trapped in Mizoram': Congress MP goofs up on Meghalaya miners in Parliament

The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its military transport aircraft to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chances-of-their-survival-very-low-rescue-team-race-against-time-to-save-trapped-meghalay-miners-186691">15 miners who are trapped</a> in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, news agency ANI reported citing sources.&nbsp;

Air Force's Lockheed C-130 Hercules took off from Bhubaneswar earlier in the day to reach Guwahati, Assam. The equipment will be taken to Meghalaya where the miners have been stuck for over two weeks.

Director General of Fire Services B K Sharma said a 20-member team led by chief fire officer Sukanta Sethi left in a special Indian Air Force aircraft with equipment, including high-power pumps.

"They will assist local authorities in the rescue of the trapped coal miners," he said.

Stating that the team was carrying at least 20 high-power pumps, an official said each pump is capable of flushing out 1,600 litre water per minute, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

"Odisha is among the few states endowed with the experience of handling such calamities," the official said.

The team will first study and analyse the situation at the site before working out plans for the search and rescue mission, the official said.

Noting that carrying out rescue operation in a coal mine will be a unique experience for Odisha Fire Services personnel, he said, "Our men are well-trained and capable of handling any situation."

They have successfully carried out difficult rescue operations within and outside the state, including Kerala in the past, with the help of well-trained and experienced personnel, said the official.

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Odisha Fire Services team also left for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a> in a special aircraft to assist local authorities in the rescue of trapped coal miners <a href="https://t.co/yo5Sr9e7ef">pic.twitter.com/yo5Sr9e7ef</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078507965781557249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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15 miners have been trapped in a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. The illegal mine is reported to have been flooded, exhibiting bleak chances of miners' survival.

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Air Force Sources: Indian Air Force C-130J transport airport has taken off from Bhubaneswar carrying NDRF personnel and equipment to help in the process to rescue the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghalayaMiners?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghalayaMiners</a>, the aircraft will land in Guwahati
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078494579958140931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The situation is very, very difficult, so (chances of) survival is also very, very, low depending on the situation because all the area is flooded," NDRF spokesperson Anil Shekhawat told EFE.

Rescue teams are posed with a challenge of clear the water in the area first, subsequently proceeding with the rescue operation in the vertical mine shaft which will require the team to dig tunnels into the ground.

 
&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its military transport aircraft to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of 15 miners who are trapped in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, news agency ANI reported citing sources.

The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its military transport aircraft to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of 15 miners who are trapped in a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, news agency ANI reported citing sources. Air Force's Lockheed C-130 Hercules took off from Bhubaneswar earlier in the day to reach Guwahati, Assam. The equipment will be taken to Meghalaya where the miners have been stuck for over two weeks. Director General of Fire Services B K Sharma said a 20-member team led by chief fire officer Sukanta Sethi left in a special Indian Air Force aircraft with equipment, including high-power pumps. "They will assist local authorities in the rescue of the trapped coal miners," he said. Stating that the team was carrying at least 20 high-power pumps, an official said each pump is capable of flushing out 1,600 litre water per minute, news agency PTI reported. "Odisha is among the few states endowed with the experience of handling such calamities," the official said. The team will first study and analyse the situation at the site before working out plans for the search and rescue mission, the official said. Noting that carrying out rescue operation in a coal mine will be a unique experience for Odisha Fire Services personnel, he said, "Our men are well-trained and capable of handling any situation." They have successfully carried out difficult rescue operations within and outside the state, including Kerala in the past, with the help of well-trained and experienced personnel, said the official. Odisha Fire Services team also left for #Meghalaya in a special aircraft to assist local authorities in the rescue of trapped coal miners pic.twitter.com/yo5Sr9e7ef — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × 15 miners have been trapped in a 370-foot-deep illegal coal mine in the Ksan area of Lumthari village in Meghalaya since December 13. The illegal mine is reported to have been flooded, exhibiting bleak chances of miners' survival. Air Force Sources: Indian Air Force C-130J transport airport has taken off from Bhubaneswar carrying NDRF personnel and equipment to help in the process to rescue the #MeghalayaMiners, the aircraft will land in Guwahati — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × "The situation is very, very difficult, so (chances of) survival is also very, very, low depending on the situation because all the area is flooded," NDRF spokesperson Anil Shekhawat told EFE. Rescue teams are posed with a challenge of clear the water in the area first, subsequently proceeding with the rescue operation in the vertical mine shaft which will require the team to dig tunnels into the ground.

Air Force's Super Hercules plane joins rescue ops in Meghalaya, high-power pumps airlifted 

Race to rescue trapped Meghalaya miners enters 13th day

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