Assam: Coal dumping threatens villages in Margherita; residents fear displacement

The North Eastern Coalfields (NEC) in Margherita, Assam, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has posed an imminent threat to Jharna Basti, China Basti, and Malu Pahar village in Ledo, Margherita co-district, due to the establishment of a coal dumping ground.
 

The area, home to over 1,000 families who have resided there for over a century, is at risk of being buried under the dumping ground. Residents fear their homes and livelihood could be lost as a result.
 

The NEC CIL Margherita recently conducted a survey and marked the surrounding area as a "danger zone" with red flags, sparking growing concerns among the local residents, who are anxious about their safety and future.
 

The Tikak Colliery, operated by NEC, is located near the affected villages and has raised environmental concerns due to coal dumping. Reports suggest that the activity has resulted in various health issues among the residents, further exacerbating their fears.
 

Jamila Khatun, a permanent resident of Jharna Basti, whose ancestors have lived there for generations, said, "The compensation provided to the affected families has been minimal, as vast tea gardens have been taken for the coal dumping ground. The fate of the residents remains uncertain."
 

Residents from Jharna Basti, China Basti, and Malu Pahar village have expressed outrage against the management of NEC Coal India Ltd Margherita. "We, the residents, have vowed not to leave our 100-year-old homes under any circumstances," Jamila Khatun added.
 

Tehon Hakhun, the village pradhan of Malu Pahar village, explained the cultural significance of the area. "There are 102 Tangsa community people living in Malu Pahar village, and we have lived here for centuries. We have our own manuscripts, culture, language, traditions, rites, and rituals. NEC CIL Margherita's decision to dump coal in this area has put our identity at risk," he said.
 

Hakhun further stated, "We have repeatedly approached NEC Margherita to provide land for shelter, but they have denied us any kind of land. As Tangsa community people, who rely on agriculture, the future of our community is uncertain."
 

A local resident from Jharna Basti expressed their concern: "If the dumping ground is established here, a devastating conflict is inevitable."
 

Efforts to contact officials from NEC CIL Margherita for comment were unsuccessful. The growing tension in the region reflects the residents' deep anxiety about their future, as they continue to face the looming threat of displacement and environmental degradation.