Guwahati: A new investigation has exposed the scale of illegal coal mining inside and around Dihing Patkai National Park in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
The study points to widespread legal violations, severe biodiversity loss, and a breakdown of environmental governance in one of India’s most fragile rainforest ecosystems.
In his paper, “A Critical Analysis of the Illegal Coal Mining Activities Inside Dihing Patkai National Park,” published in the International Journal of Law and Social Sciences (Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2024), Gauhati High CoAssam: Gauhati High Court halts Baghmari evictionurt advocate Biruchan Chetia Phukon details how illegal mining, rooted in colonial-era practices, is pushing the 231.65 sq km forest landscape towards irreversible damage. Often described as the “Amazon of the East”, the park now faces mounting ecological pressure.
The study records a 29.76% decline in forest cover between 1996 and 2016. At the same time, mining land expanded by 129.9%. As a result, acid mine drainage has contaminated rivers and streams. It has released toxic metals, killed aquatic life, and rendered large tracts of farmland unproductive.
Moreover, open-cast and rat-hole mining have scarred the terrain. These practices have triggered soil erosion and siltation. They have also led to frequent mine fires. Meanwhile, dust and noise pollution continue to pose serious health risks for nearby communities.
The report also highlights the growing human-wildlife conflict. Disruption of key elephant corridors, including the Golai corridor used by nearly 300 elephants, has intensified encounters between animals and villagers.
At the same time, species such as the hoolock gibbon, slow loris, and Asian elephant face rising threats in this biodiversity hotspot spread across Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts.
On the legal front, Phukon flags multiple violations. He cites mining activities in the Saleki proposed reserve forest over 98.59 hectares without mandatory forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. In addition, no proper Environmental Impact Assessment was carried out, in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Although the National Board for Wildlife granted approval in 2020, the decision drew strong criticism. Earlier, a One-Man Enquiry Commission headed by retired Justice B.P. Katakey had found illegal coal extraction on 44.57 hectares between 2003 and 2012.
Invoking the public trust doctrine, Phukon refers to Supreme Court rulings, including M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath. He argues that the state has failed in its constitutional duty under Articles 48A and 51A(g) to protect natural resources for future generations.
At the same time, the author notes that legal mining by Coal India Limited provides jobs and revenue in a region where tribal communities such as the Khamti and Singpho depend heavily on forest-based livelihoods.
However, he warns that the environmental and social costs of unchecked illegal mining far outweigh these gains. According to the study, illegal operations have displaced communities and strengthened a shadow economy.
Phukon calls for urgent reforms. These include science-based Environmental Impact Assessments before any clearances, clear demarcation of the national park’s boundaries, deployment of trained and armed Special Protection Forces for patrolling, and stricter systems to verify coal sources and monitor trade.
Environmental groups and local residents, who have long campaigned against the so-called “coal mafia”, have welcomed the study. They say it provides strong evidence to push for stricter enforcement.
As protests continue and legal battles drag on, the study sends a stark warning. Without immediate intervention, Assam risks losing one of its most valuable natural assets to short-term economic interests.