GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has taken serious note of the Dima Hasao illegal mining tragedy, directing authorities to submit detailed responses on the ongoing issue of illegal mining in Assam. The case was heard on February 7 by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam, with multiple government bodies and local councils named as respondents.
The counsel for the petition comprised of advocates DK Das, C Kumar & H Betala.
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During the proceedings, Advocate General D. Saikia submitted an initial affidavit on behalf of the state government and the Directorate of Geology and Mining, outlining the steps taken to curb illegal mining. However, the court noted that this was only a preliminary response, directing the government to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing future measures to prevent further illegal mining activities.
The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), also a respondent in the case, had not yet filed a response. The court granted additional time for KAAC to submit its affidavit.
Additionally, the court received an intervention application from local residents affected by the Dima Hasao tragedy, allowing them to participate in the case as interveners. The Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly and MP Pradyut Bordoloi also submitted representations highlighting illegal mining concerns, which were accepted as part of the official record.
Given the gravity of the situation, the court directed the inclusion of the Principal Secretary, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, as a respondent (Respondent No. 8). Notices have been issued, and Standing Counsel R.M. Das has been asked to accept notice on behalf of the newly added respondent.
The case will be heard again in six weeks, by which time all respondents and interveners are expected to file their submissions. The court has emphasised the urgency of addressing illegal mining and its devastating consequences.