These announcements follow a tragic incident in the Dima Hasao district on January 6, where a flooded coal quarry claimed four lives, with five individuals still missing
GUWAHATI: The Assam government will use satellite imagery as a key tool to monitor and investigate the proliferation of 220 illegal coal mines in Umrangso. This decision was revealed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, January 16.
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Speaking to reporters, the chief minister announced the detection of the total number of mines operating in this region, while highlighting the environmental and legal consequences of unregulated mining at the same time.
“To understand the emergence of these coal mines, we will leverage satellite imagery for monitoring and analysis,” Sarma stated.
Additional steps have been taken to curb the illegal mining, such as the institution of a judicial inquiry commission led by retired Gauhati High Court judge Justice Anima Hazarika. The commission will probe for lapses that enabled unauthorised mining, and all the identified individuals, officers, and institutions will be held responsible.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will also probe the recent incident in Umrangshu, with its activities monitored by Justice Hazarika to ensure transparency. The government has initiated plans to introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as well to impose a blanket ban on rat-hole mining.
These announcements follow a tragic incident in the Dima Hasao district on January 6, where a flooded coal quarry claimed four lives, with five individuals still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing but have been hampered by suspected underground water seepage that is slowing the dewatering process.
Officials reported that despite multiple pumps being deployed, the water is receding at a slow pace, likely due to replenishment from underground sources.
