Jaswant Gill joins Meghalaya rescue operation

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, December 20

Jaswant Singh Gill, retired engineer from the city, has reached the flooded coal mine site in the East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya to assist in the rescue operation to save 14 miners, who have been trapped inside for days. Since it has been seven days, the chances of victims' survival are bleak. The rescue operation is being carried out by the NDRF and other agencies.

Speaking on telephone regarding the challenges of the rescue operation, Gill said the mines are completely flooded from the river water, making it difficult to pump it out. The numbers of pumps being used for the rescue are three to four whereas at least 30 pumps are required. "Also, since the mining was being carried out illegally, there are no topographical maps available that can help us chart out the location of the miners, who were working when the accident happened," he said. Gill reached Shillong on Thursday morning as rescue operation was in full swing.

The area is known for coal mining. In 2014, the NGT put a ban on mining here citing extreme damage to the environment and pollution being caused. Gill will be meeting officials to discuss more options as the Centre is sending teams and equipment to help the state government.