The high-powered pumps of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd were recently pressed into action to dewater the main shaft, where the miners are trapped. The current water level in the main shaft is about 160 feet, while its total depth is around 370 feet. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress Sunday alleged that the BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government allowed illegal coal mining within six months of coming to power. “The BJP and the National People’s Party (NPP) had both promised the people of the state to open up coal mining, if they were elected to power. Actually, what they did was open up illegal coal mining within six months,” Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma told reporters here.

Source: Mint January 06, 2019 15:45 UTC