Itanagar: The Arunachal Democratic Party (ADP) has sought and investigation into rampant illegal coal mining in the Changlang and Longding districts of the state.
The party has demanded a thorough investigation into these activities, particularly those centered around the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine.
In a formal representation to the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary, the ADP has called for the establishment of a dedicated inquiry committee to probe the extent of illegal coal extraction.
The party has also singled out specific officials, including the Sub-Divisional Officer of Kharsang, the Assistant Mineral Development Officer of Kharsang, the Range Forest Officer of Namphai, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Kharsang Police Station, accusing them of negligence and submitting false reports to the Deputy Commissioner of Changlang.
The ADP highlights the strategic importance of the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine, a crucial asset for the state’s revenue generation and development. However, the party expresses deep concern over the mine’s transformation into a hub for illegal activities, allegedly facilitated by powerful coal mafias and insurgent groups operating in the border regions of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding.
The party’s allegations trace back to 2007-2012, when the state-owned Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Trading & Development Corporation Ltd (APMT&DCL) engaged National Mining Company Ltd to extract coal from the mine.
Following a Supreme Court order in 2014, which deemed the allocation of 204 coal blocks, including Namchik-Namphuk, as illegal, the operations were suspended.
Despite the legal impediments, the ADP contends that illegal mining has persisted, with coal mafias employing heavy machinery to excavate coal and disfigure the landscape.
The party further alleges that the Anti-Rat Hole Mining Oversight Committee, formed to curb illegal activities, has been ineffective, submitting false reports that seemingly condone these operations.
The ADP also raises concerns about the recent allocation of the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine to Coal Pulz Pvt Ltd. While the allocation was made in August 2023, the party claims that the necessary permissions for coal extraction have yet to be granted.
In a separate letter to the Special Investigation Cell (SIC), the ADP has urged a stringent investigation into the matter and has demanded the prosecution of all individuals involved in illegal mining activities.
The party has also called for disciplinary action against the negligent officials.