Illegal Rat-Hole Mining Continues in Karbi Anglong Despite Government Directives

Gauhati High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, But Illegal Coal Mining Persists

Barakoutlet Report, Guwahati, January 29: Allegations have surfaced that illegal coal mining is continuing in Karbi Anglong district with government patronage. A delegation from the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) recently visited various illegal coal mining sites and coal stockpiles in Disai, Sanilangso, and Langmili’s Coaljan regions. Despite the directive issued by the former Director General of Assam Police, GP Singh, following the infamous Umrangso tragedy, the Karbi Anglong administration has seemingly ignored the order to shut down illegal coal mining across the state.

After witnessing the situation firsthand, Assam Jatiya Parishad’s General Secretary, Jagadish Bhuyan, remarked, “Illegal coal mining is flourishing in Karbi Anglong under the patronage of Dispur.” He has demanded immediate cessation of illegal coal mining and strict action against the masterminds behind it. Bhuyan also called for stringent measures against government officials, including administrative officers, police personnel, and officials from the forest and mining departments, who have allegedly been facilitating illegal coal mining and transportation.

Call for Accountability and Legal Action

Jagadish Bhuyan has urged authorities to arrest those involved in the illicit coal trade, including industrial units such as cement factories and brick kilns that purchase illegal coal. He further declared that the Assam Jatiya Parishad will continue its legal battle against illegal coal mining in the state. Accompanying Bhuyan, the President of the Assam Pradesh Hill and Land Council (APHLC), John Ingti Kathar, has accused Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Tuliram Ronghang and district administration officials of being directly involved in this illegal trade.

The Assam government has previously claimed that the illegal coal trade has ceased. However, the Umrangso tragedy exposed the widespread illicit coal mining operations across the state. In response, the Gauhati High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue and has filed a case on Tuesday against illegal coal mining. The court has directed the Assam government to submit an affidavit by February 7, explaining why illegal coal mining is still rampant in the state, despite strict judicial orders. The government must clarify why it failed to take adequate measures to halt rat-hole mining and curb the illegal coal trade.

Widespread Illegal Mining Despite Court and Environmental Bans

Illegal rat-hole mining has been an ongoing issue in various regions of Assam, including Ledo, Margherita, Lekhapani, and Umrangso. Despite multiple bans from the Supreme Court and the Environment Department, a powerful syndicate backed by influential figures continues to control the illicit coal mining and transportation network in the state.

The tragic Umrangso incident, where nine laborers were trapped and killed inside an illegal rat-hole mine, triggered a massive outcry across Assam. The state government was eventually forced to acknowledge the existence of large-scale illegal coal mining. Following this, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered an inquiry, and Assam DGP GP Singh announced that all illegal coal mining operations in the state would be shut down within seven days. However, the recent revelations from Karbi Anglong indicate that illegal coal mining remains unchecked, raising serious questions about the sincerity of the government’s commitment to eradicating this illicit practice.

Assam Jatiya Parishad is not the first organization to protest against rat-hole mining; several political parties and environmental groups have previously voiced their concerns. However, successive governments have failed to take concrete action. With the issue once again under public scrutiny, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to see what steps he will take to address the ongoing illegal coal mining in Karbi Anglong.

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