Heroic Underground Rescuers: The Unsung Heroes of India's "Rat Hole Mining"
In the heart of India, twelve brave individuals, widely known as "Rat Hole Miners," took on a perilous mission to save 41 co-workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel. Through sheer determination and skill, they successfully rescued their colleagues last month, earning them acclaim across the nation.
For nearly three weeks, these unsung heroes remained cut off from the outside world, sustained only by limited food and oxygen. The authorities called upon them to lend their expertise in navigating the treacherous labyrinth of tunnels used for "Rat Hole Mining."
Finally, after seventeen grueling days, the Qureshi team managed to create a narrow opening, allowing the drilling rig to reach the trapped miners, inches away from disaster. As the drilling rig could no longer function, these unsung heroes finally succeeded in their rescue mission.
These "Rat Hole Miners" are known for their exceptional skill in navigating the narrow tunnels used to extract coal deeply beneath the earth. Despite the dangers associated with this profession, it remains a crucial source of income for many, and the miners are often viewed with admiration and awe.
"Rat tunneling mining is illegal," commented General Lieutenant Syed Atta Hasnan, a former official of the Indian National Disaster Management Authority, following the rescue. "But the talent and experience of these miners cannot be denied."
Living on the Edge
Working in hazardous professions often means enduring unacceptable challenges and living on the margins of society. In India, miners like these face harsh conditions, including low wages, a lack of safety measures, and exploitation.
Most of the workers in India's coal mining areas are migrants, coming from some of the country's poorest states. Their lean and flexible bodies are often pushed to the limit, expected to squeeze into narrow cracks and cramped tunnels where there is often a lack of oxygen and the risk of being buried under loose soil.
Renowned coal reserves in Meghalaya, located in the northeastern part of India, have seen substantial mining activities. However, in 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned "Rat Hole Mining" due to its hazardous impact on human health and the environment. Yet, illegal mining persists in remote areas.
Despite the ban, the unfortunate reality is that, in some corners, mining has continued, with an estimated 225 deaths occurring between 2007-2014 according to Habib, founder of Impulse, an NGO dedicated to worker safety.
Lost Heroes
Following their successful rescue, the miners were honored with a token of appreciation from Uttarakhand's chief minister, amounting to 50,000 rupees (approximately $600 USD). However, some miners remain skeptical of the recognition, citing a lack of clarity on the compensation and their overall sense of being unappreciated by the authorities.
Two hours after the rescue, a list of ninety individuals involved in the rescue was published by government officials on a WhatsApp group. The twelve "Rat Hole Miners" who risked their lives to save the trapped miners were noticeably absent from the list.
Questioning Heroes' Heroism
"I always thought that one day this job would cost me my life," said Nasir Khan, one of the "Rat Hole Miners" who participated in the rescue.
Former Judge B.P. Katoki, who established the tribunal that banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya, warned against normalizing such rescue attempts.
"This was the last attempt to save 41 lives," said Katoki to CNN, "So, they can say that it was necessary, but that doesn't mean that they should celebrate it. It has dangerous consequences."
Unsung and Unforgotten
Despite the media attention and appreciation, these brave heroes remain largely unrecognized and uncelebrated in their daily lives. The attention will eventually fade, leaving these individuals to return to their forgotten existence in the mines beneath the earth.
Yet, they carry on, persevering in their dangerous and exploitative profession in hopes of feeding their families, surviving another day, and perhaps one day gaining the recognition they so richly deserve.
