HT Bureau
DIPHU, Jan 23: A group of student’s organisations submitted a memorandum to the Karbi Anglong district commissioner, Nirola Phangchopi, seeking action against illegal mining in the district.
The groups included Karbi Student’s Association (KSA) and Karbi Students and Youth Council (KSYC).
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Karbi Students’ Association (Kheroni Head Branch) submitted a memorandum to Rajib Engti, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), DFO Hamren Division, regarding illegal sand and timber smuggling, overloaded sand supplies without proper challans, and unauthorised stone quarrying.
However, no significant action has been reported from the concerned departments so far.
Allegations of political and administrative collusion further complicate the crackdown efforts.
Illegal mining remains widespread in districts like Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, raising concerns about enforcement and accountability.
The Assam government’s recent actions signal a strong stance against illegal mining.
However, environmental activists and local organisations have urged authorities to enforce stricter measures and ensure compliance with environmental regulations to prevent further exploitation of the state’s natural resources.
In a significant move to address illegal mining activities, the Assam Cabinet, in its meeting on January 16 in Morigaon, decided to permanently shut down all rat-hole mines in the North Eastern Coalfields of Assam.
This decision follows widespread concerns about the hazardous and unregulated nature of rat-hole mining, which involves manually digging narrow tunnels and poses serious risks to workers and the environment.
The Assam government has launched a large-scale crackdown against illegal rat-hole mining operations in the state.
On Saturday, a joint operation by the Assam government and Coal India Limited (CIL) led to the sealing of 13 illegal mines and the arrest of three miners in connection with these activities.
Though coal deposits are found in Tinsukia, Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong districts, only one coal mine in Assam operates legally that is in Margherita under the Tinsukia district.
A source from the Directorate of Geology and Mining revealed, “The only legal coal mine operating is in Margherita, owned by Coal India Ltd. Other mines had operated legally in the past, but their leases have expired.”
The source also highlighted that coal, being an unprocessed mineral, is often extracted and sold without stringent oversight, leading to rampant illegal mining.
Despite the Apex Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban on rat-hole mining, it continues unchecked in many areas.
