Mass Exodus of Coal Workers Following Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Assam
First Published: 21st January, 2025 18:18 IST
Nearly 3,000 workers from districts like Goalpara, Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Hailakandi are boarding intercity trains to Guwahati.
Long queues were seen at the Ledo Railway Station of labourers working in illegal coal mines in and around Ledo following the Assam Government’s crackdown on all such mines post the Umrangso coal mine tragedy that killed nine workers.
The mass exodus that has caused rush and chaos at the Railway Station comes after Assam DGP G.P. Singh’s directive to shut down illegal rat-hole mining operations within seven days.
Nearly 3,000 workers from districts like Goalpara, Dhubri, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Hailakandi are boarding intercity trains to Guwahati. The sudden crackdown has put a question mark on the future livelihoods of the workers creating widespread panic.
The stringent actions were prompted by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s directive to close all illegal coal mines across the state. DGP G.P. Singh, during his tour of eastern Assam, confirmed that the crackdown has begun, two illegal mines within the North East Coal Fields lease area have been identified and shut down, while abandoned mines in Umrangso are being sealed.
DGP Singh assured that the government is committed to ensuring no illegal mining takes place in areas such as Ledo, Margherita, and Lekhapani. Meetings with senior police officers are underway to monitor compliance and update strategies to eliminate the practice.
The crackdown has left coal workers grappling with uncertainty. Many have fled to their hometowns in search of alternative livelihoods. The scenes at Ledo Railway Station reflect the anxiety of those affected, highlighting the broader economic impact of shutting down illegal operations.
It needs to be mentioned that, on January 6 nine coal miners were trapped at a 300-ft-deep mine in Umrangso. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of four miners, while five others remain trapped.
The Assam government’s firm stance against rat-hole mining marks a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns and illegal activities. However, it also underscores the urgent need to provide viable employment alternatives for displaced workers to ensure long-term solutions.
The crackdown in Margherita, Ledo, and Lekhapani continues, with authorities striving to meet the DGP’s seven-day deadline.
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