Massive Fire Engulfs Coal Mine in Margherita, Assam: Illegal Mining Activities Linked to Blaze

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Massive Fire Engulfs Coal Mine
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a massive fire erupted at the Dweep Mine in Ledo, Margherita, Assam, engulfing a large section of a hill reportedly linked to illegal coal mining activities. The blaze has raised significant concerns about the safety and environmental impact of such operations in the region.

The Dweep Mine, once leased by the Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDC), had been abandoned 12 years ago. Despite its closure, illegal mining activities have persisted in the area, leading to the current fire incident. The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, stated that the mine “prima facie appears to be an illegal one.”

In the days leading up to the fire, authorities discovered large-scale illegal coal storage in Ledo. L. Ratan Singh, General Secretary of the International Human Rights Council, Tinsukia District Committee, expressed strong dissatisfaction over this issue, stating that such illegal coal storage and expansion would not be possible without the tacit support of the government and the police.

The fire has caused widespread panic among local residents, who are concerned about the potential health hazards and environmental damage. The smoke and fumes from the fire have affected air quality, posing health risks to the community. Authorities have initiated firefighting operations to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating illegal coal mining in Assam. Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning rat-hole mining, the illegal practice continues unabated in the Margherita-Ledo area.

The proliferation of unlawful coke industries and illegal coal storage further exacerbates the situation.

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has accused the state government and local police of failing to take effective action against the widespread illegal coal mining in Margherita.

The AJP General Secretary, Jagdish Bhuyan, visited several illegal coal mining sites in Ledo and Ledo Deepmine, highlighting the irony that a government-owned organization like Coal India is unable to mine in the area due to environmental clearance issues, while illegal miners operate without any hindrance.

The recent fire at the Dweep Mine underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of mining regulations and effective monitoring to prevent illegal mining activities. The state government must take immediate action to address the root causes of illegal mining and ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.

In response to the fire, authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident. The police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident.

The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of illegal coal mining in Assam. Earlier in January 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Lalchuri area of Ledo, where a worker died in an illegal coal mine.

This highlights the dangers of unregulated mining and the need for comprehensive measures to address the issue.

As the investigation into the Dweep Mine fire continues, authorities are focusing on identifying the perpetrators and dismantling illegal mining operations in the region. The community remains on high alert, hoping for swift action to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of their environment.

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