New Delhi: The Meghalaya government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that the Indian Navy has deployed five remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) in the operation to rescue 15 miners trapped inside an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district since December 13.
The state government told a bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and S.A. Nazeer that one crore litres of water has been pumped out so far from the illegal mine, but seepage from nearby rivers is creating hurdles in the rescue operation.
Indian navy rescue team. Credit: Special Arrangement
The bench sought to know from the state’s counsel if action was taken against those running illegal mines. The counsel told the court that the person running the illegal mine where the labourers are trapped was arrested.
Also Read: Two Miners Found Dead in Another Illegal Meghalaya Coal Mine
Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that every possible step has been taken for the rescue operation. The air force has deployed planes and helicopters for airlifting requisite equipment and manpower, he said. The bench posted the matter to January 18 for further hearing.
Indian navy rescue team. Credit: Special Arrangement
The apex court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Aditya N. Prasad who has sought urgent steps to rescue 15 miners trapped in the illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district.
(PTI)