Crackdown on Illegal Rat-Hole Coal Mines in Assam

The Assam government has detected 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines in two autonomous council areas. Over 25,630 tonnes of illegal coal were seized in three years. Despite a 2014 NGT ban, illegal mining persists, leading to tragic incidents. The government plans to auction seized coal and prevent further illegal operations.

The Assam government announced the discovery of 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines within the state's central region, operating under two autonomous councils.

Over 25,630 tonnes of coal have been seized over three years, signaling ongoing illegal mining despite a 2014 National Green Tribunal ban.

Authorities have vowed stricter enforcement, including coal auctioning, to curb such activities and avoid future tragedies like the one trapping nine miners earlier this year.