Assam Government notifies of detection of 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines in central areas of state
Assam Government notifies of detection of 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines in central areas of state
Digital Desk: The state administration announced on March 5 that at least 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines have been discovered in Assam's central region, which is governed by two independent councils.
The government also notified the assembly that it had seized over 25,630 tonnes of unlawful coal during the last three years.
In response to a written question from Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai stated that 248 rat-hole mines have been discovered in the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), which includes Dima Hasao region.
He noted that 15 such rat-hole mines were discovered in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, which includes the East and West Karbi Anglong districts.
Furthermore, rat-hole mining, which was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2014, is still employed for coal extraction in the Northeast, specifically in the districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo.
According to Assam Minister Jakir Hussain Sikdar, seven coal fields are located in Tinsukia, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong districts, with permission for Ledo-Borgaloi now granted.
Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia accused the administration of rampant rat-hole mining and coal smuggling in Assam, claiming that an inquiry should be launched to punish those responsible.
Sikdar claimed that the wife of a key BJP leader leads an illegal coal mining operation in the district.
In January, Justice (Retd.) Anima Hazarika convened a one-man inquiry commission to probe the Dima Hasao mining accident, while the Assam Police established a Special Investigation Team led by IGP Akhilesh Singh to investigate the entire incidents at Umrangso.
