Assam Coal Mining: The recent coal mining tragedy in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has claimed four lives, once again spotlighting the hazardous nature of rat-hole coal mining in India. This primitive and dangerous method of coal extraction has been banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) since 2014 but continues to thrive, posing a significant risk to workers and the environment.
Rat-hole mining involves burrowing into narrow tunnels to extract coal, often with little regard for safety protocols. Despite its illegality, this practice is driven by the demand for coal to power industries like cement manufacturing and thermal plants. The lack of advanced geological surveys and machinery makes such operations economically unviable, encouraging illegal mining.

Assam Coal Mining: Illegal Operations and Administrative Lapses
The Assam Chief Minister has acknowledged that the mine in Dima Hasao was “prime facie… illegal,” raising serious concerns about the State administration’s ability to regulate mining activities. Abandoned by the Mines and Minerals Department, the site has become a symbol of unchecked illegal operations.
The Supreme Court of India had earlier raised alarms about the continuation of such practices under the possible “connivance” of officials. A monitoring committee report by the NGT observed that despite the ban, rat-hole mining thrives due to coal demand in the northeast.
Ironically, rat-hole miners have been recognized for their expertise when convenient. In 2023, miners from Assam were brought in to rescue 41 workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi. This contradiction exposes the conflicting attitudes toward rat-hole mining—condemned for its risks but utilized for its utility in emergencies.
Tragic Accidents and the Need for Reform
The Dima Hasao incident is only the latest in a series of tragedies linked to rat-hole mining. Rescue efforts continue, but the loss of life is a stark reminder of the industry’s dangerous legacy.
The cycle of accidents, fatalities, and negligence perpetuates as authorities fail to enforce bans or provide alternative solutions. The demand for coal must be addressed through safer, sustainable mining practices. Strict enforcement of the NGT’s ban and accountability at all administrative levels are crucial to dismantling this illegal industry.
The persistence of rat-hole mining has left a deep scar on Assam’s environment and its vulnerable communities. The illegal extraction method not only devastates local ecosystems but also poses severe health risks to miners and residents. In Dima Hasao and other regions of Assam, coal mining has led to deforestation, water contamination, and land degradation, threatening the livelihoods of indigenous communities dependent on natural resources. This unregulated activity continues to deepen Assam’s ecological crisis while providing only short-term economic benefits to a few.

A Path to Safer Alternatives in coal mining
The reliance on rat-hole mining is a symptom of deeper issues within India’s coal industry. Transitioning to mechanized mining, improving enforcement of safety standards, and reducing dependency on coal are essential steps toward reform.
This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize worker safety and environmental preservation. Let the lives lost in Dima Hasao district not become another statistic but a catalyst for change.
Efforts to regulate Assam coal mining sector must address the root causes of illegal operations, including the lack of sustainable livelihood alternatives for local communities. Proper implementation of the National Green Tribunal’s ban and alternative income-generation programs can help reduce dependency on this dangerous industry. The tragedy in Dima Hasao district is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in Assam coal mining practices to safeguard both human lives and the environment.