Assam cracks down on rat-hole mining in Margherita, coal mafias face heat

Assam's Margherita co-district administration is committed to its operation against illegal rat-hole mines, with police officials taking action to seal off all illegal coal mines at various places in Ledo, Tirap, Tikak and Namdang, among others.
 

The decision taken by Assam Director General of Police (DGP), G.P. Singh, directing the police to take action against the ongoing illegal rat-hole coal mining in Margherita, Ledo, and Lekhapani within seven days has left coal mafias in a state of trauma.
 

Following the directions of the Tinsukia district administration, four groups conducted the drive at different places in Margherita. 
 

Amid intensified operations, illegal rat-hole mining continued at Namdang even on January 21, despite a raid carried out by the administration on January 18.
 

Speaking to reporters, Pronamika Konwar, the Executive Magistrate of Margherita Co-District administration said, "Four teams, including officials from police, civil administration and Coal India have been deployed in order to eradicate the illegal rat-hole mines from the region. So far, the officials have witnessed a successful crack down on mines and camps. The mines have been destroyed as per the order."
 

It may be recalled that on January 18, the Margherita police, in collaboration with the Margherita administration, APDCL Margherita, and officials of Northeastern Coalfields, Margherita, conducted a joint operation and arrested three laborers, including an escalator.
 

A total of 13 illegal rat hole mines were sealed at Namdang colliery.
 

It must be mentioned that the Margherita police, administration and the officials of Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd on Tuesday, again conducted raid in illegal coal mining at Namdang, Margherita.