GUWAHATI: The central government on Wednesday, March 12, stated that it is the responsibility of state governments to prevent all forms of illegal coal mining, including rat-hole mining, while emphasising its efforts to reduce coal field accidents.
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In response to a query in Lok Sabha, Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy addressed the recent coal mine accident in Assam, where illegal rat-hole mining was allegedly taking place. He stated that he had spoken to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the issue. "It is the responsibility of the State Government to check rat-hole mining," Reddy said.
The minister also informed the House that Sarma had assured him that around 250 such illegal mining sites had been shut down and 12 individuals were arrested. Relatedly, addressing concerns over illegal coal mining in Jharkhand, Reddy also reiterated that enforcement against such activities lies with the state government and the police. He affirmed the Centre’s “zero tolerance” approach towards the coal mafia and mining-related violence.
Reddy also highlighted the government’s focus on mine safety in his speech, stating that several measures have been implemented to reduce accidents, and positive results are being observed.
