Assam: MLAs shocked by illegal coal mining during inspection in Margherita

A team of legislators from the Assam Legislative Assembly was left stunned during a field visit to coal mining sites in the Margherita area of North East Coalfield. The visit, intended for inspection and assessment, took a shocking turn when the MLAs discovered extensive deposits of illegally mined coal at various locations including Tikok West mining site, Tirap Colliery and Tipong Firing Range in Ledo.

Led by senior MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita and comprising Pradeep Hazarika, Terash Gowalla, Suren Phukan, Rafiqul Islam, Suman Haripriya and Shibamani Bora, the delegation witnessed firsthand the scale of illegal activities in the region. The presence of large coal reserves and ongoing illegal mining operations came as a shock to the lawmakers.

Amid their inspection, the MLAs were accompanied by Police Commissioner Swapnil Pal, who conducted a raid on an illegal coal depot right in the presence of the legislators. 

Following their field observations, the delegation convened a crucial meeting with top officials of Coal India at the Ledo Club.