The Gauhati High Court has initiated suo moto proceedings concerning illegal coal mining in Umrangso, Assam, focusing on the administration’s failure to enforce a Supreme Court ban on rat-hole mining. The court’s action stems from reports indicating widespread illegal mining activities, despite a clear directive from the Supreme Court for a complete cessation of such practices.
Chief Justice-led Division Bench expressed critical concerns about the environmental and safety risks posed by rat-hole mining, a technique notorious for its hazardous impact on the ecosystem. The court has issued a notice to the Assam State Government, demanding an explanation for the local authorities’ inability to effectively uphold the Supreme Court’s prohibition on this environmentally detrimental practice.
The High Court emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to the ban, underscoring the dual threats posed by rat-hole mining: environmental degradation and safety hazards. In response to the reports of rampant illegal activities, the court addressed the urgent need to enforce legal mandates protecting the region’s ecology.
In its directive, the Division Bench ordered the Assam State Government to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing the situation and the actions taken to curtail illegal mining. This document is expected to be submitted before the next hearing, scheduled for February 7.
The Supreme Court’s previous ruling declared rat-hole mining illegal due to its dangerous nature and profound ecological damage. This pronouncement made it imperative for authorities to take decisive action against ongoing illegal activities. However, the present circumstances in Umrangso highlight significant lapses in enforcement, raising questions about the administration’s role in safeguarding environmental integrity and adhering to legal prohibitions.
As scrutiny intensifies, the court’s intervention marks a critical step towards addressing these violations and ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive, aiming to mitigate further environmental harm in the region.
