Assam: Gauhati High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Illegal Coal Mining in Dima Hasao

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the illegal coal mining activities in Umrangso in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, expressing serious concern over the administration’s failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive for a complete ban on rat-hole mining.

A division bench, led by the Chief Justice, has issued a notice to the Assam government, questioning the failure of local authorities to enforce the Supreme Court’s ban effectively. The bench has directed the state government to submit a detailed affidavit by February 7.

The court underscored the need for strict enforcement of the prohibition on rat-hole mining, given the significant environmental and safety risks associated with the practice. The Supreme Court had previously banned rat-hole mining due to its hazardous nature and severe environmental impact.

The issue came under scrutiny following reports of widespread illegal coal mining activities in the Umrangso region. Nine workers were trapped inside a rat-hole coal mine after water gushed into the 300-foot-deep quarry in Umgranso on January 6. Later, four bodies were recovered, including that of 27-year-old Lijen Magar from Kalamati village in Umrangso.

The Assam Police registered an FIR under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident. One individual, Punish Nunisa, was arrested in connection with the trapped miners’ incident.

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