Assam: IHRC demands action against illegal mining activities at Tipong Chaali in Digboi

A CORRESPONDENT

MARGHERITA: International Human Rights Council (IHRC), Tinsukia District Committee, through a press release stated that illegal coal stockpiling and mining activities are still being openly carried out in the Tipong Chali area under the Lekhapani forest reserve of Digboi Forest Division despite being banned by the Gauhati High Court.

According to confidential investigations conducted by the council, the volume of coal stockpiled in the area is so immense that even two years of continuous mining would not deplete the reserves. It is suspected that a group led by an individual named Baba Gogoi from Bargolai, in association with a Guvin Chetry, is involved in this illegal activity. Allegedly, an entry fee of Rs 1000 per max pickup vehicle of coal is being collected. The council has already obtained a detailed list mentioning the names of individuals and locations involved in these illicit operations.

Despite the Supreme Court’s complete prohibition on coal mining in forested areas to protect the environment, the continuation of such activities in Dihing Patkai National Park, Lekhapani, Joypur, Saleki, and other forest regions is a matter of grave concern due to its adverse environmental impact.

L Ratan Singh, General Secretary of the IHRC, Tinsukia District Committee, has called upon the management of Coal India Limited, Forest Department, Assam Pollution Control Board, Geology and Mining Department, Tinsukia District Administration, and Assam Police Administration to take swift action to halt all illegal coal stockpiling, mining, and burning activities within forest regions.

The council emphasized investigating specific regions, including Aradhara, Namdang, Lalchuri, Kalachuri, Conference Field, Deep Mine (Lachit Mine), Lal Pahar, Malu Pahar, Firing Range, Paharpur, Tinku Pani, Namtok, Khando Basti, Finro, Bomgara, Tipong Chali, Borgolai Bamboo Grove, Ledu, Tirap, Sial Line, Nepali Field, and Balijan as such investigations will undoubtedly reveal the complete truth, said L Ratan Singh.

Furthermore, the council declared that it would soon disclose the names and details of individuals involved in mining in specific locations, ensuring that all those guilty are exposed at the earliest, said Singh.

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