Dispur takes the heat about coal syndicate

Dispur takes the heat about coal syndicate

Coal syndicate

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The State Government had to take the heat about coal syndicate from on the floor of the Assembly on Friday. The united Opposition demanded an immediate CBI or high-level inquiry into it, to stop the rot.

Raising the issue during Question Hour, AGP MLA Pabindra Deka said: “The media keep reporting illegal coal mining and its transportation in the State. Dispur continues to suffer revenue loss for such a syndicate.”

Taking part in the discussion, BJP MLA Atul Bora said: “The coal syndicate will continue so long there’s political patronage. What evidences does the government need when there’re so much media reports? What action has the government taken against people whose names have come up in the media reports?”

AGP MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita said: “Around 150-200 trucks transport coal, worth Rs 2 crore, commute through Assam illegally daily. Since the investigation being carried out by the CID is not satisfactory, it has to be handed over to the CBI.”

Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia said: “Racketeers of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya are also involved in the syndicate as coal keeps coming to Assam from these neighbouring States also. The government should table a report in the House stating as to what the CID investigating into the syndicate has found so far.”

Rajdeep Goala of the Congress said: “The coal syndicate is also active in the Barak Valley. It has to be inquired into by a retired judge.”

AIUDF MLA Abdul Kalam Rashid said: “The government says it has no evidence of coal syndicate. Let them go to Goalpara. I’ll show them how active the syndicate is there.”

In his reply, Mines and Minerals Minister Naba Kumar Doley said: “Based on information received, we’ve ordered a CID investigation into the alleged coal syndicate. We’ve specially instructed the DCs and SPs of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao to take measures to stop the menace. This apart, Mines and Minerals Department Additional Chief Secretary has written to the DGP on the allegation of coal syndicate, especially under Margherita police station. The Directorate of Geology and Mining has also lodged FIRs against illegal coal mining under Lekhapani and Margherita police stations. Allegations are that illegal coal mining is going on in and around Patkai Hill. That has to be stopped.”

Doley informed the House that Dispur earned Rs 32.72 crore in 2015-16, Rs 34.62 crore in 2016-17 and Rs 45.49 crore 2017-18 as revenue from coal mining.

Coal is mined at Tirap, Tikok, Tipong, Ledo (OCP), Garampani and Khota Arda in Assam illegally.

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