Five Illegal Coal Miners Apprehended in Tipong Forest Reserve, Upper Assam

Dibrugarh, Nov 27: Five illegal coal miners were arrested on Wednesday morning in Tipong Forest Reserve, under the Digboi Forest Division in Tinsukia district of upper Assam.

The operation, carried out by staff from the Lekhapani Forest Range, was initiated following a tip-off about ongoing illegal coal extraction. The miners, all from Meghalaya, have been identified as Subedar N. Sangma, Ajoy M. Sangma, Danen Sangma, Stik Momin, and Jaan Marak.

Parishmita Neog, Range Officer of Lekhapani, led the operation targeting illegal rat-hole coal mining activities. “We apprehended five individuals involved in illegal coal extraction. An investigation is underway, and we continue regular patrols to curb forest crimes,” Neog stated.

She also highlighted the operational challenges in the region due to the rugged terrain. “A case (LP/12 of 2024-25) has been registered under the Assam Forest Regulation Act, 189. We remain committed to protecting the state’s forest resources and are taking a tough stance against such crimes,” she added.

Local sources reported that illegal rat-hole mining is rampant in the Ledo-Margherita area. A Margherita resident said, “Illegal coal mining is an organized crime involving many people. Over the past decade, the Patkai Hills, once known for their lush greenery, have seen significant deforestation due to these activities.”

Reports indicate that Namdang Colliery, Tikak Colliery, Ledo Open Cast Project, and other sites under North Eastern Coalfields (Coal India Ltd.), Margherita, have become hotspots for unauthorized mining operations.

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