Assam Legislative Assembly team tackles illegal mining and coal stockpiles in Margherita

To curb illegal mining and streamline coal operations, an 8-member team from the Public Undertaking Committee (PUC) of the Assam Legislative Assembly visited Margherita today. The team, led by Ramendra Narayan Kalita, engaged in detailed discussions with representatives from Coal India and members of the district administration.

The focus of their visit was to scrutinize the jurisdiction and operational leases held by Coal India for mining activities in the region. “We reviewed the current mining locations, production levels, and the future operational strategies of Coal India,” Kalita stated. A key aspect of the discussion was the crackdown on illegal mining within Coal India’s jurisdiction, with the team exploring robust measures to mitigate such practices.

During their inspection of the Tipong area, committee members noticed significant coal stockpiles accumulating in residential zones. The presence of these coal stocks has raised concerns regarding their legality and potential adverse effects on public health, agriculture, and tea gardens. Kalita emphasized, “We are investigating whether these coal stocks are legally obtained. Should any illegal activity be detected, stringent action will be initiated against those responsible.”

Further discussions highlighted the need for the Forest Department to intensify efforts to prevent illegal mining in forest areas. “We have directed the Forest Department to ensure that no illegal mining activities take place in forested regions,” Kalita said. Additionally, the committee has mandated that any illegally stored coal be confiscated and subsequently returned to Coal India for auctioning.

Kalita elaborated on the status of Coal India’s leased areas, noting that only one out of four or five leased zones is currently operational. He stated the urgency of making the non-operational areas functional to enhance production and efficiency.

The committee has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive report within seven days, encapsulating their findings and recommendations on the measures to curb illegal mining and manage coal stocks effectively. The report aims to provide a clear roadmap for addressing the identified issues and ensuring sustainable and lawful mining practices in Margherita.