Guwahati, Jan 30: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has accused the state government and local police of failing to take effective action against the widespread illegal coal mining in Margherita. In a surprise inspection conducted on Wednesday, AJP General Secretary Jagdish Bhuyan, along with a tribal group from the National Council, visited several illegal mining sites in Ledo and Ledo Deepmine.
Bhuyan revealed that more than 60 illegal coal reserves are operating in the region, close to Coal India and North Eastern Coalfields (NECF) areas, leading to significant revenue losses. He expressed concern over the government’s inaction, which has allowed these illegal activities to continue unabated.
“Despite numerous efforts to address the issue, illegal coal mining remains unchecked, causing severe environmental damage and economic losses,” Bhuyan said. He criticized the government’s contradictory stance, noting that Coal India’s mining operations in the region were halted due to environmental clearance issues, while illegal miners continue to operate freely.
During the inspection, Bhuyan uncovered alarming evidence of illegal mining, including the removal of barricades on the rail line to Ledo Deepmine at night to facilitate the transportation of coal. He also raised concerns about the establishment of unlawful coke industries near coal fields, which violate regulations prohibiting such industries within an 8-kilometer radius of coal reserves.
Bhuyan has vowed to raise these issues with the authorities and demand immediate action to stop the illegal coal mining and the closure of the unlawful coke industries in Margherita.
