The Commission is expected to submit its report within three months from the date of the notification
GUWAHATI: The Assam government recently established a One-Man Inquiry Commission, headed by Justice Anima Hazarika, former Judge of Gauhati High Court, to investigate the state's mine accident that took place in Umrangso, involving a group of miners.
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The Commission will also determine accountability among officers, individuals, mining companies, and institutions involved.
The notification, issued on January 24, outlines the following terms of reference for the Commission:
1. To ascertain the facts, circumstances, and causes leading to the tragedy that claimed four lives and left several others missing.
2. To identify individuals or organizations responsible for illegal rat-hole mining activities in the area.
3. To assess any lapses by authorities and fix responsibility if found.
4. To recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
5. To address any other relevant matters related to the inquiry.
The Commission has been expected to submit its report within three months from the date of the notification (January 24).
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had revealed about the existence of 220 illegal mines in Umrangso, and had stressed on using satellite imagery for how they came into existence. Additionally, he had also revealed the plan to institute the One-Man Inquiry Commission, in a bid to probe for lapses that permitted unauthorised mining in the state.