Three days following the devastating mining tragedy in Meghalaya, described as the worst in the state’s history, the East Jaintia Hills district administration has heightened enforcement against illegal coal mining, responding to a directive from the Meghalaya High Court. Five teams comprising officials from law enforcement and the Directorate of Mineral Resources have been deployed, successfully seizing approximately 3,197 metric tonnes (MT) of unlawfully mined coal across multiple locations, with an additional 3,356 MT confiscated from various sites along the Sakhain–Thangsko road.
During these operations, tools and mining equipment were seized, and 63 detonators along with 204 gelatine sticks were confiscated, leading to three arrests. Multiple illegal mining camps were identified and dismantled, and the police have registered 30 cases related to illegal activities, with more legal actions anticipated. To ensure public safety, prohibitory orders have been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the impacted areas.
The search for victims of the dynamite explosion at an illegal mine site continues, with the confirmed death toll at 27 and no additional bodies retrieved. Rescue operations are being conducted by various specialized teams. Migrant workers estimate that about 17 more individuals may still be trapped, complicating the rescue due to the lack of official records in the illegal mining operations. The nine survivors have been identified, and the government has provided ₹24 lakh in compensation to the families of some victims, with more payments to follow upon submission of required documents.