Farmers in Golaghat Demand Scientific Mining to Protect Croplands

Farmers in Golaghat, Assam, are raising alarms over coal-contaminated runoff from Nagaland that threatens their agricultural lands. They demand scientific mining practices to protect their crops and livelihoods. The local community claims that the contamination has affected the farmland of 70 to 80 families, urging the Assam administration to take action. Concerns about environmental impacts and illegal mining practices have also been voiced, highlighting the need for intervention from authorities. This situation underscores the ongoing struggle between agricultural sustainability and mining activities in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 12:41 IST

Concerns Over Coal Contamination in Golaghat

Local villagers of No.2 Negheribil in Golaghat demanding scientific mining in Nagaland hills, raising crop damage allegations (Photo: AT)

Golaghat, Aug 31: Farmers residing near the Assam-Nagaland border in Merapani, Golaghat, have expressed alarm regarding the alleged contamination of their fields due to coal-laden runoff from Nagaland, which they claim is harming their agricultural lands and jeopardizing their livelihoods.

The affected region includes No. 2 Negheribil, where locals assert that water tainted with coal sediment from mining operations in the Naga Hills is seeping into Assam, adversely impacting extensive areas of farmland, particularly Sali paddy fields.

Raju Narah, the village headman of No. 2 Negheribil, stated, “We are not opposed to mining; however, the issue lies in the coal-mixed water infiltrating our fields and ruining our crops. We are not demanding a halt to mining, but it should be conducted in a scientific manner.”

Residents claim that coal mining has been ongoing in the No. 2 Negheribil-Marakha River-Longayim area for almost a decade.

“As farmers, agriculture is our only means of survival. We insist on scientific mining practices that do not harm our farmland,” Narah added.

Another local resident mentioned that the agricultural lands of approximately 70 to 80 families have been adversely affected.

“If our crops fail, even without any loss of life, we will be left in a state similar to the flood victims of Sivasagar. Hence, I urge those involved in mining to ensure it is done scientifically,” the resident remarked.

The villagers have called upon the Assam administration to investigate the flow of the alleged coal-contaminated water, evaluate the damage to their fields, and address the issue with the authorities in Nagaland.

“Farmlands belonging to 70 to 80 families are being devastated. We appeal to the Assam Chief Minister to step in and help resolve this matter,” a resident stated.

According to the villagers, they have been voicing their concerns since last year to a certain Sunil Taparia, whom they accuse of being involved in mining activities in Nagaland. However, they claim their grievances have gone unanswered.

Furthermore, residents allege that the mining is being conducted illegally and with the support of officials in Nagaland, asserting that Taparia is at the forefront of these operations. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.

This situation has also raised significant environmental concerns in the border region, where residents worry that ongoing deforestation and resource extraction in the neighboring hills could further harm agricultural land and disrupt the local ecosystem in Assam.