Inquiry Commission Implemented: Illegal Coal Mining Patkai Sanctuary

One-man commission to conduct in-depth probe

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister SarbanandaSonowal has constituted a one-man inquiry commission headed by retired judge of Gauhati High Court Justice BP Kataki to probe into the illegal coal mining activities in the DehingPatkai Wildlife Sanctuary in Upper Assam.

An official communiqué issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Saturday said, "The Gauhati High Court (retd) Judge Brajendra Prasad Kataki has been asked to conduct a probe into both legal and illegal coal-mining activities in the Sanctuary happening since 2003."

As per the terms of reference for the Commission, it will inquire as to whether since the year 2003 till date, any illegal activities have been undertaken by any organization or individual in and around Saleki Proposed Reserved Forest (PRF) under Digboi Forest Division, including the Tikok Open Cast Project of Coal India Limited (North Eastern Coalfields).

The Commission will inquire and identify organization(s) and individual(s) responsible for undertaking such illegal mining activities, if any, in and around the aforesaid forest area.

It will inquire into the manner of processing of any application, if made, by any organization or individual for grant of mining lease in the aforesaid forest area during the period from 2003 onwards, and also to inquire as to whether grant of any mining lease during the mentioned period was in compliance and in conformity with the provisions of applicable laws i.e., the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and other applicable Laws and Rules. The Commission will inquire and assess the extent of illegal mining activities, if any, in and around the aforesaid forest areas and also the impact of such activities, if any, on the flora and fauna generally found in and around the aforesaid forest area.

It will also inquire into and fix responsibility upon government officials of any department found involved in commission of any illegal mining or any other illegal activity in commission or abetment of the aforesaid forest area.

The Commission will further inquire into and suggest measures for recovery of loss, if any, caused due to unlawful coal mining activity under the jurisdiction of Digboi Forest Division, either in the form of rent, royalty, penalty, land arrears or tax in terms of Section 21 (5) of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 or under any other law in force during commission of offence of illegal mining or commission of any other illegal activity.

It will inquire into and suggest measures to be taken for restoration, rehabilitation and reclamation of areas damaged due to illegal coal mining and ancillary activities, if any, and approximate amount of costs to be incurred for such purpose.

The Commission will inquire into any other prohibited regulated activities inside all forests (RF/PRF) and wildlife sanctuary under the Digboi Forest Division and to suggest remedial measures to be taken to check such activities.

The Commission will submit its report within a period of six months.

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