Giridih News: Giridih Mica Mine Collapse Leaves Workers Trapped, No Death Confirmation from Authorities

Giridih, December 01, 2024: A mica mine tunnel collapse in Giridih district has left three people feared trapped, but authorities have not yet confirmed any fatalities. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, is believed to have taken place at an illegal mica mining site located on the border between Giridih and Koderma districts. While local police and district officials are investigating, uncertainty surrounds the exact number of casualties and the location of the collapse due to jurisdictional confusion.

Mica Mine Tunnel Collapse in Giridih: Workers Feared Trapped

The incident occurred at an illegal mica mine near the Dugarnawa jungle, which straddles the boundary between Giridih and Koderma. Reports suggest that a tunnel at the mine collapsed, potentially trapping three to four workers who were reportedly working at the site when the incident took place. The workers are said to be from localities in both Giridih and Koderma.

Trapped Workers from Giridih and Koderma Districts

The workers believed to be trapped in the collapse are from two distinct regions. Authorities have identified the victims as being from Jamdar in Giridih and Dugarnawa in Koderma. However, confusion persists regarding the exact location of the collapse, as the mine is situated at the border of both districts. This has made it difficult for rescue teams to establish jurisdiction and proceed with coordinated efforts.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Death Toll: Official Confirmation Pending

Despite reports of the collapse, local authorities have refrained from confirming the deaths. Rajendra Prasad, the SDPO of Khorimahua, stated that while there were fears that workers might have been trapped, there is no official confirmation of any fatalities as of now. Additionally, the confusion about the mine’s location, whether it lies within Giridih or Koderma, has further delayed the confirmation process.

The Giridih police have also not officially verified any deaths. Station House Officer Mahesh Chandra of the Gawan police station denied receiving any formal reports regarding casualties, but acknowledged that information about the incident has surfaced. According to him, the incident appears to have occurred in the jurisdiction of Koderma’s Nawalsahi police station and their team is en route to the site.

Authorities Respond to the Mica Mine Collapse Incident

Both Giridih and Koderma district authorities are actively investigating the collapse. However, jurisdictional ambiguities have caused delays in coordinating the rescue operations. The Nawalsahi police in Koderma have asserted that no mica mining operations are currently taking place in the area, but local reports continue to suggest otherwise.

Shashibhushan, the station head of Nawalsahi, also dismissed claims of a mine operating in Dugarnawa. This raises questions about the unregulated nature of mica mining in the region, with officials unable to determine if the mine involved was legal or illegal, which complicates the ongoing investigation.

Investigation into Illegal Mining Operations in Giridih and Koderma

Mica mining, particularly illegal operations, has long been a problem in the region, with hazardous working conditions that have led to fatal accidents in the past. The collapse in Giridih further highlights the risks faced by miners working in unregulated environments. Illegal mica mining in both Giridih and Koderma districts continues to pose significant challenges for local authorities.

Local police and rescue teams have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement against illegal mining activities, which often operate without any safety measures or oversight. Despite the ongoing challenges, authorities remain committed to investigating the collapse and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

The situation in Giridih remains fluid, and local officials are working to determine the exact cause of the collapse and whether it is linked to the illegal mining activities prevalent in the area. Further updates are awaited as rescue teams continue their efforts to reach the trapped workers.