The Tinsukia District Human Rights Council has urged the Assam government to resume coal mining operations in Margherita, a town known for its historic collieries. The group claims that the suspension has triggered economic hardship and job loss for hundreds of families.
In a statement issued this week, the body said the halt in operations has severely affected the rights and livelihoods of local workers. Their appeal is part of a growing Margherita coal mining demand by residents, trade unions, and local leaders.
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Job Losses Drive Protest
The council highlighted the impact on workers who once relied on open-cast coal mines in the Ledo-Margherita belt. Since operations stopped due to legal and environmental concerns, many have struggled to find alternative employment.
“The right to work is a basic human right,” said council spokesperson Anirban Deka. “People here are slipping into poverty. The government must act.”
Several contract workers reportedly migrated to other districts or states in search of work. Others, particularly older miners, remain jobless.
Appeal to State and Centre
The Margherita coal mining demand has been formally sent to the Chief Minister’s Office and the Union Ministry of Coal. The rights council called for a phased reopening of coal mines with proper environmental safeguards.
They also urged the state to form a monitoring committee, including local representatives, environmentalists, and district officials, to ensure that mining resumes responsibly.
“We are not asking for reckless mining,” Deka added. “We want sustainable mining that protects both nature and people’s livelihoods.”
Strategic Importance of Margherita
Margherita, located near Assam’s eastern border with Arunachal Pradesh, has a long legacy in coal mining dating back to the British era. It houses key assets of North Eastern Coalfields (NEC), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.
Although NEC operations were halted in 2020 due to a series of National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, the demand to resume controlled mining has steadily grown. The town’s economy once thrived on coal trade and mining-linked services.
Locals Cite Economic Collapse
Local shop owners, transporters, and small businesses claim they have seen a sharp decline in income since mining activities stopped. Many fear permanent economic stagnation if no action is taken soon.
The rights council said that over 2,000 families in and around Margherita indirectly depend on coal operations. “Restarting mining will revive our economy. It’s not just about miners, it’s about everyone,” said one trader in Ledo market.
Call for Balanced Approach
Environmentalists agree that past mining lacked regulation. However, they support a balanced solution that includes rehabilitation of affected areas and stricter compliance mechanisms.
The Margherita coal mining demand also proposes eco-restoration programs alongside mining activity. Activists say this dual approach can ensure both economic recovery and environmental responsibility.
Government’s Response Awaited
So far, the Assam government has acknowledged receipt of the appeal but has not announced any formal decision. Sources indicate that discussions are underway between NEC and state officials.
The Chief Minister had previously stated that Assam is open to sustainable industrial revival in upper Assam districts, including coal and oil sectors.
Observers believe that public pressure and rising unemployment could push the state to revisit stalled projects, provided they align with environmental laws.
The renewed Margherita coal mining demand highlights the deep link between resource industries and rural livelihoods in Assam. While ecological safeguards remain crucial, local voices are calling for a return to regulated coal mining that restores jobs and boosts the regional economy.
The coming weeks will determine whether the government moves toward a reopening plan or maintains the suspension.
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