Concerns Rise Over Mining Practices in Nagaland Amid Flooding in Assam
Environmental Impact of Mining Activities
Studies and a Nagaland govt report warned of widespread environmental degradation caused by rathole and opencast mining
Bihubar (Sivasagar), Aug 6: The connections between insurgent groups and coal mining operations in Nagaland, which borders Assam, have gained renewed attention. This comes in light of increasing worries that years of unregulated mining have played a role in the severe flooding that impacted upper Assam in July.
Coal mining activities are situated beyond Naginimora in Nagaland, approximately 20 kilometers from Bihubar in the Sivasagar district. Local inhabitants report that mining extends nearly 10 kilometers along the upstream section of the Dikhow river, with coal being stockpiled and traded from Naginimora.
According to a local businessman, "In the peak season of 2010-11, around 100 trucks loaded with coal entered Assam daily. Currently, this number has dwindled to about six to ten trucks each day."
Security sources have indicated that insurgent groups have financial stakes in the coal trade, complicating regulation and enforcement efforts.
"Certain insurgents collaborate with private entities from various states, sharing profits and, in some cases, acting as business partners. There have also been reports of external contractors deceiving these insurgents," security sources revealed.
Since a tragic mining accident in Wokha district two years ago, which resulted in the deaths of six workers due to a landslide, the involvement of militant group members has become more covert.
Nagaland is believed to possess coal reserves ranging from 315 million to 492 million tonnes, primarily located in Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Wokha districts. Many areas continue to utilize rathole mining, a method criticized for its detrimental effects on the environment and worker safety.
A study conducted in Tiru and Naginimora in Mon district, Yonglok in Longleng district, and Bhandari in Wokha district—close to the Assam border—identified widespread rathole mining and highlighted significant occupational hazards and ecological damage.
"The mining processes require extensive deforestation and the removal of topsoil to reach the coal deposits. Both rathole and opencast mining have led to severe land degradation, soil erosion, landslides, destruction of agricultural land, and loss of forest cover. Mining waste dumped in surrounding areas has altered natural landscapes and diminished soil fertility," the study noted.
The Annual Administrative Report 2024-25 from the Nagaland Department of Soil & Water Conservation also pointed out the environmental consequences of uncontrolled rathole and opencast mining in Wokha, Mon, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Tuensang districts.
The report observed a significant increase in rathole coal mines and opencast mining, particularly in the five districts mentioned, warning that acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines has severely polluted water sources and harmed ecosystems. It emphasized the urgent need for remedial actions to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard water resources.
In addition to coal extraction, extensive stone quarrying is occurring along the Dikhow river in Nagaland. Residents claim that these quarrying activities have exacerbated the degradation of the river. Approximately 60 stone-crushing units operate in the Bihubar area, sourcing much of their raw material from quarries in and around Naginimora.
During a recent visit to the flood-affected region, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was urged by local residents to take action against coal and stone mining, asserting that these activities significantly contributed to the floods that impacted upper Assam in July.
However, the Chief Minister stated that the Assam government has limited authority over mining operations within Nagaland, and any effective intervention would necessitate involvement from the central government.