Assam DGP Announces Shutdown Of Rat-Hole Mines Within A Week

DIBRUGARH: DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh on Sunday announced a stern decision to shut down all rat-hole mining activities in Assam within the next seven days.

The declaration came during a media conference held following a security review meeting in Dibrugarh, where Singh declared the order of the Chief Minister to curtail illegal mining activities in Margherita, Ledo, and Lekhapani regions of Assam's Tinsukia district.

“The Chief Minister has instructed me to take immediate action against illegal rat-hole mining, which has been reported in our state. In response, I convened a meeting with administrative officials, forest department representatives, and Coal India personnel. Orders have been issued to cease all such mining activities within a week,” Singh stated.

The DGP confirmed that the operations to implement this order have already started. As of Saturday, two illegal mining sites operating inside the Northeast Coalfields lease area had been identified and closed. The DGP said a survey conducted in the Umrangshu area has found no fresh mining activities; however, it was ordered that leftover coal from earlier illegal operations be confiscated.

Besides discussing the mining issues, Singh spoke about the preparations for the Republic Day celebrations and assured that all security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful observance. He also reflected on his recent appointment as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force, expressing confidence in achieving progress in various regions with his experience in Assam.

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