In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Lekhapani Forest Range Office, part of the Digboi Forest Division, successfully apprehended five individuals involved in unauthorized coal mining within the Tipong Forest Reserve. The operation, conducted on Wednesday morning, was led by Range Officer Parishmita Neog and her team, who effectively intercepted the miners before substantial environmental damage occurred.
The arrested miners—Subedar N. Sangma, Ajoy M. Sangma, Danen Sangma, Stik Momin, and Jaan Marak—all originate from Meghalaya. They face charges under the Assam Forest Regulation Act, 1891, and have been placed in judicial custody. Parishmita Neog emphasized the quick response of her team, stating the operation’s success in preventing potentially significant harm to the forest reserve.
Despite this successful operation, illegal coal mining remains a persistent issue in the region. Areas like Namdang Colliery, Tikak Colliery, and Ledo Open Cast Project, all under North Eastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd. in Margherita, have emerged as notorious hotspots for such activities. Activists and locals have raised concerns over the apparent inaction of authorities, including the Margherita Sub-Divisional Commissioner, Margherita MLA, Tinsukia District Commissioner, and local police, pointing out a lack of accountability among the larger coal mafia networks.
These illegal operations adversely impact Assam’s forest reserves, threatening both the ecology and local livelihoods. Environmentalists and civil society groups have called for stricter enforcement of regulations. While crackdowns usually target daily-wage laborers, the key players behind these unauthorized mining operations often evade justice.
The Forest Department remains committed to combating illegal activities and safeguarding Assam’s natural resources. Their efforts underscore the ongoing need for comprehensive strategies to effectively address and mitigate the challenges posed by unregulated mining practices in the region.
