Illegal coal mining in Sivasagar will face action if credible evidence is brought to the Assam government, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said. He urged people to share photographs along with the location of any suspected mining site so that authorities can investigate.
The remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of mining activities in and around Upper Assam following severe floods that affected Sivasagar and neighbouring districts. Sarma has also linked the wider debate to mining activities along the Assam-Nagaland border.
Illegal coal mining allegations in Sivasagar
Sarma’s appeal places greater emphasis on local evidence in identifying suspected illegal operations. He said that if anyone finds illegal coal mining in Sivasagar, they should send him a photograph with the location, promising to act on the information.
The statement is significant because Sivasagar has been among the districts badly affected by the recent floods. The disaster has prompted questions about the possible impact of mining, deforestation and other human activities on river systems and flood intensity.
However, allegations of illegal mining should be verified by the competent authorities before they are treated as established violations. Photographs and location details can help officials identify sites and conduct further checks.
Floods renew focus on mining
The discussion over illegal coal mining has gained momentum after widespread flooding across Upper Assam. During a visit to flood-affected areas on August 4, Sarma said many people in parts of Sivasagar and Charaideo depend on mining-related activities in neighbouring Nagaland.
He said Assam could not directly stop mining taking place in Nagaland and that the Centre would need to be involved where cross-border action was required. At the same time, he said people should decide whether illegal mining activities should continue.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised about riverbank mining. Recent reporting has pointed to earlier warnings over excavation along the Dikhow river and renewed questions about whether human intervention may have worsened the effects of flooding.
Illegal coal mining and enforcement
The Assam government has faced wider scrutiny over illegal coal mining in the state. The issue became especially prominent after nine workers died in a flooded rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao in January 2025.
Rat-hole mining has been prohibited in Assam following judicial and environmental restrictions. Investigations and subsequent reporting have continued to raise questions about how illegal operations persisted despite enforcement efforts.
The government has previously announced measures against unauthorised mining and related activities. However, activists and political opponents have continued to demand stronger enforcement and greater accountability.
In February 2026, environmental activist Apurba Ballav Goswami also raised concerns about alleged rat-hole mining in forest areas of Upper Assam, including Jagun, Lekhapani and Margherita.
Illegal coal mining evidence could aid action
Sarma’s latest appeal puts the focus on evidence that can help authorities identify suspected sites. A photograph alone may not establish a violation, but a clear image accompanied by an accurate location can help officials begin verification.
Authorities would then need to determine whether mining is taking place, whether the activity has the required permissions and which agencies have jurisdiction. This is particularly important in border areas where activities may involve more than one state.
Moreover, the approach could encourage residents to report suspected violations instead of relying only on periodic inspections. Any complaints, however, would need to be assessed through proper administrative and legal procedures.
Sivasagar faces closer scrutiny
The focus on illegal coal mining comes at a sensitive time for Sivasagar, where communities have been dealing with major flood-related damage. The district and nearby areas have faced disruption to homes, agriculture and livelihoods during the recent deluge.
For now, Sarma’s message is a direct invitation for residents to provide specific information about suspected mining sites. The effectiveness of the appeal will depend on how quickly such complaints are verified and whether confirmed violations lead to action.
Overall, the statement signals that the Assam government wants location-based evidence to support enforcement. As concerns over mining and floods continue, scrutiny of suspected illegal coal mining in Upper Assam is likely to remain an important public issue.
