The ongoing illegal coal mining in Karbi Anglong, Assam, continues unabated despite government directives and court interventions. Reports indicate that a well-organized coal syndicate, allegedly backed by influential figures, operates in defiance of legal restrictions. The High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue, demanding a response from the state government by February 7. However, the persistence of rat-hole mining raises serious concerns about administrative inefficiency, environmental destruction, and labor exploitation. Will the government take decisive action, or will this illicit trade continue to thrive?