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The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to submit a detailed report regarding the steps taken to curb the practice of rat-hole mining in the state. The court issued this order following a public interest litigation (PIL) and has instructed authorities to respond to the notice by February 7, 2025.
The court has sought replies from several key government departments, including the Chief Secretary’s Office, the Mines and Minerals Department, the Environment and Forest Department, and others. It has also requested the latest status on the government’s actions to stop the illegal mining practices, particularly in the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts.
The case is tied to a tragic coal mine incident in Umrangso, Dima Hasao, and has raised concerns over the widespread and unchecked practice of rat-hole mining in the region. Reports suggest that over 200 rat-hole mines are currently operating in the Umrangso area, while in Karbi Anglong, the practice is rampant, with authorities either turning a blind eye or failing to take appropriate action.
The court will review the matter again on February 7.
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) detailing the causes of the devastating landslide that struck Pernote village in Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 25, 2024. The report includes recommendations for mitigating further damage and stabilising the area.
The report highlighted that the barren upper slopes in the region should undergo afforestation, with fast-growing plants like eucalyptus, alder, and willow recommended to prevent further soil erosion and landslides. Dewatering the affected slopes to divert water away from the landslide zone is also a critical step in stabilisation efforts, according to the Institute's experts.
The landslide, caused by prolonged rainfall, wreaked havoc in the village, damaging homes, power lines and infrastructure, including the Ramban-Gool link road. A geological investigation confirmed that the landslide occurred at the top of a major geological fault, the Murree Thrust, a zone highly susceptible to erosion and landslides.
The report also notes that the area is located in a seismically active zone, though no seismic activity was recorded at the time of the landslide. The Wadia Institute emphasised that improper construction activities, including road expansions and tunnel construction in eco-sensitive zones, may exacerbate the problem. The Institute’s team of scientists called for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) to prevent further ecological damage.