By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 5: In one of the deadliest reminders of the risks associated with illegal rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya, at least 18 miners were killed in a suspected dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills on Thursday morning.
The incident occurred at Mynsyngat in Thangsko area, under the jurisdiction of Umpleng Police Outpost, where several labourers—both local and from neighbouring states—were reportedly working inside the narrow, hazardous shafts when the blast took place.
Confirming the incident, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said rescue operations were suspended late Thursday evening due to poor visibility, darkness, hazardous conditions, and the risk of poisonous gases (such as carbon monoxide or methane) lingering after the blast. Operations are scheduled to resume on Friday morning with specialised teams.
“Rescue work had to be halted as it was too dark and unsafe to continue. There is also a possibility of poisonous gases inside the mine following the blast, which poses a serious risk to rescue personnel,” Kumar said.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and a Special Rescue Team have been deployed at the site to ascertain the actual number of casualties, recover more bodies if needed, and conduct search operations.
According to police, all 18 bodies recovered so far are yet to be identified, and their identities will be disclosed only after confirmation by family members. One injured person was rescued, initially shifted to Sutnga Community Health Centre, and later referred to a higher medical facility.
“The situation remains fluid and we are still gathering information. A clearer picture on the total number of casualties will emerge once rescue operations are completed,” Kumar said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that dynamite was being used for coal extraction at the site, which was operating illegally in defiance of the long-standing NGT ban. A suo-motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat Police Station (Case No. 14/2026) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
An inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to identify those responsible for the illegal mining activity, including owners, operators, and any involved in supplying explosives.
“Police teams are working to arrest the main culprits. Hopefully, we will make some arrests tomorrow,” the SP said.
Police have appealed to the public to share any information related to the incident or those involved in the illegal operation, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential and that suitable rewards will be provided.
Rat-hole mining, a traditional but highly dangerous and unscientific method unique to parts of Meghalaya, involves digging narrow vertical pits (often just 3–4 feet wide) deep into the ground, followed by horizontal tunnels barely wide enough for a person to crawl through—resembling rat holes.
In April 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a nationwide ban on rat-hole mining in Meghalaya, citing its unscientific nature, grave safety risks to workers, and massive ecological harm (such as acidification of rivers like the Lukha and Myntdu).
The ban, upheld by the Supreme Court, prohibited all unscientific and illegal mining operations, along with the transportation of illegally extracted coal.
Despite this—and subsequent efforts to promote regulated, scientific mining—the practice has persisted illegally due to economic dependence, local land ownership under the Sixth Schedule, weak enforcement, and demand for low-cost coal.
Tragedies like the 2018 drowning of over 15 miners in a flooded shaft and periodic blasts have highlighted the ongoing dangers, with enforcement remaining inconsistent even in 2026.
