Illegal rat-hole mining in Assam: Gauhati HC takes suo motu cognizance, issues notice

Guwahati, Jan 28: The Gauhati High Court has registered a suo motu case regarding the illegal rat-hole coal mining operations in Assam’s Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts. The court has sought a detailed response from the Assam government on the steps taken to halt these illicit mining activities.


The case follows the tragic coal mine disaster at 3 Kilo in Umrangso, where nine miners were trapped in a flooded rat-hole mining site that operated under the nose of law enforcement and administrative authorities. Four bodies were recovered, while five miners remain trapped inside the mine.


Reports indicate that 220 illegal rat-hole mining sites have been operated under the alleged patronage of mafia networks, law enforcement, forest officials, politicians, and administrative authorities. Several such illegal operations have also been identified across Karbi Anglong district.


A division bench led by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Kaushik Goswami raised concerns about how over 200 illegal mining sites have been functioning unchecked, in direct violation of the Supreme Court’s ban on rat-hole mining.


“The Court has taken note of the coal mine tragedy that occurred in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district. Reports suggest that more than 200 illegal rat-hole mines are in operation in the region,” the court stated in its order.


“The Court has also noted that rat-hole mining is rampant in Karbi Anglong, either unnoticed or deliberately ignored by the authorities,” the order further mentioned.
“Given the gravity of the situation, we find it necessary to issue notices to the concerned respondents,” the court declared.


The court has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Assam; Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Minerals); Commissioner and Secretary (Environment and Forest); Secretary (Home and Political); Principal Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management); Principal Secretary (Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council – KAAC) and Director of Geology and Mining.

Advocate General D. Saikia received the notices on behalf of the Assam government, while lawyer J. Chutia received the notice on behalf of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). The High Court has scheduled February 7 as the next hearing date.

Hot this week

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

The Baghmara connection to Meghalaya’s political history

Tura, Aug 17: For many in the state, Baghmara...

Women-led society to ensure smooth credit flow to SHGs 

Pla Tangka Cooperative Society to eliminate need for SHGs...

60 bureaucrats, 10 police officers transferred in Manipur

Imphal, Jan 30: The Manipur government has transferred 60...

Manipur: 3-year-old girl killed, mother injured after being hit by speeding SUV

Churachandpur, Jan 30: A three-year-old girl was killed and...

Tissue transplant will soon be available at ZMCH:

Aizawl, Jan 30: Tissue transplantation will soon be available...

Assam Guv launches ‘Project Yuva Bhagidari’ at Cotton University to boost Swachh Bharat Mission

Guwahati, Jan 30: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated...

No plan to introduce UCC in Meghalaya: CM  

‘Meghalaya will support if there is a bill to...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img