SHILLONG: The Indian Air Force (IAF), Coal India Limited (CIL) and top pump manufacturing company Kirloskar Brothers' Limited has given their assist to rescue the 15 trapped miners from banned coal mine in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district.
Two teams from Kirloskar Brothers has arrived the site on Thursday. "We are deeply concerned about the trapped miners in Meghalaya and are ready to help in whichever way possible. We are in touch with the officials of the Government of Meghalaya to offer our assistance in this regard," Kirloskar Brothers Ltd stated late Wednesday night.
IAF and CIL teams are likely to arrive at the mine on Friday. Indian Air Force representative Ratnakar Singh stated the National Disaster Management Authority has asked for the IAF to airlift rescuers from Bhubaneswar to either Guwahati or Shillong airport Friday.
A 10-member team, consisting of four engineers and six surveyors, are on their way to the site. Two top CIL officials also likely to arrive at spot.
"We have received a request from the Meghalaya government to help carry out search and rescue operations in the coal mine where some miners were trapped. Immediately we have mobilised the manpower within the organisation so as to reach the site as soon as possible," stated J Borah, General Manager of CIL`s Northeastern Coalfields.
Though, the equipment including pumps, pipes and survey tools will take some time to get there as those are being sent by road from different CIL establishments, stated Borah adding that the operations will be started soon after all the equipment and manpower reaches at the site.
Search operations, which strike a wall on Monday, remained poised for the fourth day in a row with the Meghalaya government asking for high-pressure pumps to drain out the water.
The two 25 hp pumps at present being used is not enough, stated National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Assistant Commandant S K Singh, who is leading the force in the rescue operation.