263 Illegal Rat-Hole Coal Mines Detected in Assam; Over 25,630 Tonnes of Illegal Coal Seized in Three Years
First Published: 6th March, 2025 13:22 IST
The minister also acknowledged the presence of coal mining activities in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo districts.
The Assam government has detected at least 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines in the central part of the state, despite a decade-old ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Officials have also seized over 25,630 tonnes of illegally mined coal in the past three years.
Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai revealed these details in the state assembly on Wednesday while responding to a query from Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi. He stated that 248 rat-hole mines were found in the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), which covers Dima Hasao district. In the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, comprising East Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, authorities detected 15 such illegal coal mines.
The minister also acknowledged the presence of coal mining activities in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Charaideo districts but did not provide specific details regarding rat-hole mining in those areas.
Illegal coal mining in Assam has led to severe tragedies. On January 6, nine laborers were trapped inside the 3-Kilo Coal Quarry in the Umrangso area after a sudden flood of water engulfed the site. After several days of search operations, rescue teams recovered the partially decomposed bodies of all miners from the rat-hole mine.
Also Read: Man Beaten to Death in Guwahati’s Maligaon, Accused on the Run
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