Assam forms inquiry commission, announces ex-gratia after Umrangso mine tragedy

The Assam government has announced the constitution of a One-Man Inquiry Commission, headed by Justice Anima Hazarika, former Judge of the Gauhati High Court, to investigate the Umrangso Mines tragedy and determine responsibility. The commission will examine the roles of concerned officers, individuals, mining companies, and institutions involved, if any.

The Commission will ascertain the facts, circumstances, and causes of the tragedy, which resulted in the reported deaths of four individuals and the disappearance of several others. It will investigate whether any illegal activities, such as rat-hole mining, were conducted in the area and identify the responsible individuals or organizations. It will also determine if there were any lapses on the part of authorities and, if so, fix responsibility for them. The Commission will suggest measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and address any other matters relevant to the inquiry.

The Commission is expected to submit its report within three months from the date of this notification.


Recently, the Assam government distributed Rs. 10 lakh as ex-gratia to the next of kin (NoK) of those who died in the coal mine incident at Kalamati, 3-Kilo, under Umrangso town in Dima Hasao district.

The distribution was carried out in the presence of Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council. The ex-gratia cheques of Rs. 10 lakh each were handed to the families of the four deceased individuals. The families of the five people who are still trapped in the mine received Rs. 6 lakh, with the remaining Rs. 4 lakh to be distributed later.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier announced in a cabinet meeting that each NoK of the deceased would receive Rs. 10 lakh. The same amount will be offered to the families of the five missing individuals, whether they are found dead or alive. Rs. 6 lakh is provided from the Assam Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the remaining Rs. 4 lakh comes from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to further probe the incident based on the FIR already filed. The investigation will be monitored by retired Justice Anima Hazarika.

The cabinet also decided that a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) will be created to enforce a blanket ban on rat-hole mining in the state.

Around 40 workers had illegally entered the mine when it flooded, likely due to the discovery of an underground water source. While approximately 25 workers managed to escape from the nearly 300-feet deep, well-shaped mine, at least 9 got trapped.

The Assam government has identified 220 rat-hole coal mines in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district. The flooded coal mine still holds 11 crore litres of water, as reported by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Punish Nunisa, the individual allegedly operating the coal mine illegally, has already been arrested by the police.