Assam: Toxic waters spell doom for Tirap colliery residents and wildlife in Margherita

Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd Margherita is under scrutiny as contaminated water poses a severe threat to the residents of Tirap Colliery and its surrounding ecosystem, including flora and fauna. The coal mining company has come under fire for its alleged failure in environmental stewardship leading to a dire situation in the region.

The open-cast mining projects undertaken by Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd Margherita have resulted in the pollution of water sources, causing them to flow into residential areas. This contamination has not only affected human inhabitants but has also become a death sentence for animals wandering in the Tirap Colliery areas.

Among the six collieries managed by NEC Coal India Ltd Margherita, only Tikak Colliery remains operational. The others—Baragolai Colliery, Tikak Colliery East and West sides, Ledo OCP, Tirap Colliery and Tipong Colliery—have ceased production due to mounting environmental concerns.

IndiaToday NE attempted to contact officials from Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd Margherita for a response to the allegations, but as of now, there has been no reply.