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A rat hole mine opening in Ledo, Assam (Photo: ANN Service)

Doomdooma, June 6: In a significant move to combat illegal mining, coal theft, and unauthorized mineral transportation, the Union Ministry of Coal has granted powers to designated executives and security personnel of Coal India Limited (CIL), including the North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), as per the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.

These powers, conferred through Gazette notifications under Sections 22, 23B, and 24 of the Act, will enable authorized officials to aid in the detection, prevention, and reporting of illegal mining activities, unlawful coal extraction, and unauthorized mineral transport.

Officials indicated that this initiative aims to safeguard national resources, reduce revenue losses, and enhance adherence to mining regulations through improved monitoring and enforcement strategies.

For the NEC, this authorization is anticipated to bolster legal support for surveillance and enforcement operations in Assam's mining regions.

The newly empowered officials will have the ability to assist in investigations, gather evidence, and collaborate more effectively with local administration and police during actions against violators.

This development follows several joint operations conducted by the NEC and Assam Police in recent months, which led to arrests and the confiscation of illegally mined coal and mining equipment.

Officials expressed optimism that these newly granted powers will further enhance ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources.

This initiative is also viewed as part of the government's broader strategy to improve accountability, transparency, and stricter enforcement within the mining sector while promoting sustainable and lawful mineral extraction.

Earlier this year, environmental activist Apurba Ballav Goswami raised concerns about illegal rat-hole mining in the Jagun, Lekhapani, and Margherita forest ranges in Assam, warning that such activities were putting pressure on forest areas adjacent to the ecologically sensitive Dehing Patkai National Park.

He urged the State government to bolster protection for the Tirap-Tipong forest corridor and called for stricter enforcement against unauthorized mining operations in the area.