Guwahati, Jan 18: In a solemn event, Assam Minister for Mines and Minerals, Kaushik Rai, distributed ₹10 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin (NoK) of those who lost their lives in the Umrangso coal mine tragedy at Kalamati, 3-Kilo in Dima Hasao district.
The distribution ceremony, held at Umrangso Police Station on Saturday, was attended by Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) and other senior officials.
The families of four deceased victims received ex-gratia cheques of ₹10 lakh each, while the families of the five individuals still trapped inside the mine were given ₹6 lakh, with the remaining ₹4 lakh to be disbursed later.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced after a cabinet meeting that ₹10 lakh ex-gratia would be provided to each of the victims’ families, including those who are yet to be recovered—whether found dead or alive.
The financial aid includes ₹6 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and ₹4 lakh from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). Minister Rai conveyed deep condolences on behalf of the Chief Minister and assured the families of continued government support.
“Although no compensation can ever truly measure the value of a life, this assistance is meant to provide some relief and express our solidarity with the bereaved families,” he stated.
The minister also provided updates on the ongoing dewatering operations, revealing that one crore liters of water is being extracted daily, but significant water levels still remain in the mine.
Additionally, Rai announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed to probe the incident, based on the FIR already registered. The inquiry will be monitored by Retired Justice Anima Hazarika to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
The ex-gratia distribution was attended by several senior officials, including Samsing Engti, Executive Member, NCHAC; Harmeet Singh, Special DGP, Assam & Director, Fire & Emergency Services; Debjyoti Mukharjee, IGP (Central Range), Assam Police; Meenakshi Das Nath, Secretary cum Additional CEO, ASDMA; Simanta Kr. Das, District Commissioner & Chairman, DDMA, Dima Hasao and Mayank Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao.
