The tragic events of January 6, during which eight workers lost their lives in a rat-hole mining accident in Umrangso, continue to cast a shadow over Assam. This incident ignited widespread protests, calling for the cessation of illegal rat-hole and open-cast coal mining activities in Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya.
Allegations emerged suggesting that certain political leaders and police officials, who were reportedly receiving monthly kickbacks from coal syndicates, were involved in these operations. Although the Chief Minister has pledged a judicial inquiry, the residents of the hills remain doubtful regarding the timeline for the report’s release and whether justice will be served against the actual offenders. In spite of the public outcry, no prominent individuals have been held responsible, and suspected wrongdoers are said to operate without restraint, potentially protected by undisclosed agreements. Following media revelations beginning January 22, which exposed the coal mining and supply chains in Karbi Anglong, mining activities were temporarily halted, with both rat-hole and open-cast mining officially suspended.
A significant crisis has arisen due to the accumulation of thousands of tons of low-grade (C-grade) coal in regions such as Langmili and Disobai. These coal piles, susceptible to spontaneous combustion, are igniting uncontrollably, leading to serious health and environmental hazards. In Langmili, located merely 500 meters from the national highway near the Bokolia Police Station, and in the Chainilangso village of Disobai, coal fires burn continuously, rendering life intolerable for residents of at least ten surrounding villages. The local population, especially children and the elderly, is facing respiratory problems, bronchitis, eye irritation, skin ailments, and recurrent fevers.
Additionally, contaminated river water resulting from coal pit runoff has led to mass fish fatalities and skin irritations among individuals who bathe in it. Agricultural fields are becoming unproductive, and even betel nut trees have perished. Thomas Timung, the Village Headman of Langmili and Chainilangso, characterized the situation as a fight for survival. These villages are part of the Singhason constituency of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, represented by Amarsing Tisso, who is also the current MP of Diphu Lok Sabha. In spite of the ongoing crisis, Tisso has not visited the affected areas or addressed the concerns of the villagers. Through this report, the villagers have called upon their representative to take immediate action to avert future coal depots in their vicinity.
