Centre Assures Investigation into Illegal Coal Mining in Assam
The Central government has pledged a thorough investigation into illegal coal mining in Assam.
The announcement was made via a press release from Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha.
During Question Hour, Gogoi raised concerns over Assam’s declining forest cover and sought the government’s response to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive on the issue.
He highlighted inconsistencies between the Draft (2018) and Final (2019) Notifications of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, particularly the removal of restrictions on oil and gas exploration despite no public objections.
Gogoi also pointed out Vedanta Ltd’s plans for oil and gas production under the guise of exploration, questioning the removal of regulatory barriers.
He demanded government clarification on the issue, calling for accountability in environmental policy decisions.
