Arunachal: Illegal Coke Factory Raided Near Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine

ITANAGAR: A sub-divisional level task force consisting of the sub-divisional officer, the officer-in-charge of Kharsang police station, and the assistant mineral development officer, made a raid on an unauthorized LAMC coke factory at Changlang district. This plant is allegedly operating within 900 meters from the Namchik-Namphuk coal mine, reportedly taking coal supply from an illegal mining site.

The factory had recently resumed operations, just two weeks prior to the raid, despite being shut down in 2023 following complaints from GeoEnpro Petroleum Ltd. The proximity of the factory to one of the company’s drilling wells raised significant safety and regulatory concerns.

In parallel, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has requested clarification from its Shillong regional office regarding potential violations within the approved 128.97-hectare area of the Namchik-Namphuk coal mine. A digital survey conducted during the Stage-II forest clearance process revealed discrepancies, indicating that non-forestry activities had occurred outside the designated 39.02 hectares for which approval was granted.

M/s Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd, the successful bidder for the coal mine, is awaiting Stage-II forest clearance for the remaining 89.95 hectares. The initial 39.02 hectares had already received approval way back in 2006 when it was first allotted to Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development & Trading Corporation Limited. Alleged illegal mining activities have also complicated the process of clearance.

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