220 Illegal Coal Mines Discovered in Umrangso: Assam CM Orders Judicial Probe

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed the discovery of 220 coal mines in the Umrangso area, raising serious environmental and legal concerns over unregulated mining operations in the region. Satellite imagery was employed to analyze how these mines developed without proper oversight.Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Sarma emphasized the importance of monitoring illegal mining activities, stating, “Our investigation found around 220 coal mines in the region. Satellite imagery is crucial in tracking how these mines came into existence and to prevent further illegal operations.”This announcement follows a recent tragedy where four miners lost their lives, and five more remain missing after being trapped in a flooded coal mine. The Assam government has pledged an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the families of each of the deceased, as well as to the families of the missing individuals, regardless of their recovery status.To address the crisis, a judicial inquiry commission will be led by former Gauhati High Court Judge Anima Hazarika. The commission aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding the illegal mining activities and identify individuals, officials, and institutions accountable for regulatory failures.Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to carry out a comprehensive investigation based on the First Information Report (FIR). Justice Anima Hazarika will oversee the SIT’s operations to ensure transparency and accountability.In a broader crackdown on hazardous practices, the state government will soon introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to impose a total ban on rat-hole mining, a dangerous and illegal method linked to environmental damage and fatal accidents. The Mines and Minerals Department has been tasked with collaborating with central agencies to identify and shut down all illegal rat-hole mines in Assam.Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue for the trapped miners in Dima Hasao district, but progress has been hindered by fresh water seeping into the flooded mine. Officials report that despite deploying multiple pumps to drain the quarry, the water level is receding slowly due to suspected underground stream infiltration. Rescue teams remain on-site, working to overcome these challenges and recover the missing miners.