Assam CM initiates inquiry into coal mining at Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the coal extraction at the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.

A one-man committee headed by Guwahati High Court Judge Bajendra Prasad Kataki has been tasked by the CM to delve into the legal as well as illegal coal digging in the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.

In May, Sonowal had ordered Environment and Forests Minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary to conduct a field survey amid outrage over mining activities.

In view of the public opposition being reported in the media to the purported attempt of coal mining in Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, the Assam CM Sonowal directed Suklabaidya to visit the sanctuary to take stock of the situation.

The Assam CM said his government is committed to protecting the environment and biodiversity of the state and will not compromise with its stand in the name development initiatives.

According to reports, the Coal India Ltd had been mining in the region since 2003 and sought clearance to do the same in 2012. It applied for clearance again to mine in 98.59 hectares, out of which Coal India Limited was carrying out mining activities in 73 hectares.

The Centre gave the Stage-I clearance to the Coal India Limited major for 57.20 hectares in December 2019 with 28 conditions, including fines and action against "responsible officers violating the Forest Conservation Act."

The Assam Forest Department earlier in the year slapped a penalty of Rs 43.25 crore on CIL for carrying out illegal mining activity inside the forest for 16 years since 2003. In its meeting in April 2020, the Standing Committee of the National Board of Wild Life under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recommended the CIL''s proposal for legalizing the mining for approval provided it fulfills 28 conditions.

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