Coal Syndicate does not exist: Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government is aware of illegal activities associated with the mining and transportation of coal even if it denies existence of a coal syndicate in the State.

In a written reply to questions raised by the Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary mentioned that the State Government has initiated stern actions to stop illegal mining and transportation of coal by registering cases and arresting the accused persons. The reply was tabled in the Assam Assembly on Monday during the first day of the Budget session.

Patowary added that 287 cases have been registered against illegal transportation of coal between January 2016, and February 20, 2020. While 746 coal-laden trucks were seized, 451 persons had been arrested during the same period. The Commissionerate of Transport has seized 4,962 overloaded trucks since 2016.

Patowary, who replied on behalf of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who is also holding the portfolio of Home, pointed out that the Home department is aware of illegal coal mining on the Dihing Patkai hills in Tinsukia district. He said that the Tinsukia district administration has constituted a task force to take necessary actions against such illegal mining. The Forest department is maintaining strict vigil to stop such illegal mining, and 20 FIRs have been already filed in this regard, Patowary said.

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