Five from Meghalaya arrested for illegal rat-hole mining in Tinsukia

Dibrugarh:Forest officials in upper Assam's Tinsukia district apprehended five illegal coal miners from Meghalaya during a targeted operation in the Tipong Reserve Forest area on Wednesday, exposing the persistent challenge of unauthorised mining activities in the region.
The operation, spearheaded by Lekhapani forest range officer Parishmita Neog, was launched following intelligence about illegal rat-hole mining operations in the Ledo-Margherita coal belt. The arrested individuals, identified as Subedar N Sangma, Ajoy M Sangma, Danen Sangma, Stik Momin and Jaan Marak, are reportedly experts in rat-hole mining. They had relocated to Tinsukia after similar activities were banned in their home state of Meghalaya in 2004.
"We apprehended five persons from Tipong reserve forest for their involvement in illegal rat-hole mining. They were arrested by the Assam Forest Police Force (AFPF) and a case has been registered against them under the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891. Several vehicles used in illegal activities have been seized and further investigation is ongoing. The challenging terrain has complicated enforcement efforts but we are committed to saving the state's forest resources," Neog said.
Residents expressed growing concern about the environmental impact of these illegal operations.
"The Patkai hills, once known for their lush greenery, have lost significant forest cover over the past decade due to these activities," said a Margherita resident.
Locals said the area has become a hotspot for unauthorised mining, with several locations, including Namdang Colliery, Tikak Colliery and the Ledo Open Cast Coal Mining Project reportedly affected by illegal operations. Sources indicated that rat-hole mining continues openly in parts of the Ledo-Margherita coal belt, suggesting a well-organised network behind these activities.