Illegal mining in Assam has once again become a major topic of discussion after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that there is no illegal mining taking place within Assam’s territory. Addressing concerns over the recent floods in Upper Assam and allegations linking mining activities to environmental damage, the chief minister said the state government has found no evidence of illegal mining inside Assam. He added that concerns related to mining activities in neighboring Nagaland would be taken up with the Central government, as Assam has no jurisdiction over operations beyond its borders.
Illegal Mining in Assam: CM Rejects Allegations
Speaking on the issue, Himanta Biswa Sarma maintained that the Assam government has carried out extensive verification and found no instances of illegal mining in Assam. His statement came amid criticism from opposition leaders, who alleged that mining activities across the Assam-Nagaland border contributed to the devastating floods witnessed in parts of Upper Assam.
The chief minister clarified that if any mining activity is taking place in Nagaland, the Assam government cannot legally intervene because it falls under another state’s jurisdiction. Instead, he said the matter would be raised before the Centre to facilitate coordination between the concerned governments.
Flood Concerns Spark Political Debate
The recent floods in districts such as Sivasagar and Charaideo triggered widespread debate over their possible causes. Opposition parties, including the Congress, claimed that alleged mining activities in Nagaland had worsened the flooding by affecting natural drainage systems and hill ecosystems.
However, Sarma cautioned against drawing conclusions without scientific evidence. He stressed that experts should conduct detailed studies before linking mining operations with flooding. According to him, environmental issues of this scale require scientific assessment rather than political speculation.
Scientific Study Needed Before Conclusions
The chief minister emphasized that determining whether mining activity contributed to flooding requires technical investigation by environmental experts and geological agencies. He noted that rainfall patterns, river behavior, and terrain changes all need to be examined before fixing responsibility.
Sarma said the Assam government is open to any credible scientific findings and would cooperate with relevant agencies if further studies are recommended.
Centre to Be Approached Over Nagaland Mining Issue
Highlighting constitutional limitations, Sarma stated that Assam cannot stop mining operations taking place inside Nagaland. Since the issue involves another state, the matter will be formally raised with the Central government to explore appropriate administrative and legal measures.
He said the Centre is best placed to facilitate discussions between Assam and Nagaland if environmental concerns require coordinated action. This approach, he added, would ensure that interstate issues are addressed within the constitutional framework rather than through unilateral decisions.
Assam Government Reiterates Environmental Commitment
While denying reports of illegal mining in Assam, the chief minister reiterated that his government remains committed to environmental protection and strict enforcement against unlawful activities. He said the administration has consistently acted against illegal practices wherever evidence has been found and will continue monitoring sensitive regions.
The government also maintained that preserving forests, rivers, and ecological balance remains a priority, especially as Assam faces recurring floods and climate-related challenges. Authorities will continue reviewing reports from field officials and environmental departments to ensure compliance with mining regulations.
Interstate Cooperation Remains Crucial
The controversy has once again highlighted the importance of cooperation between northeastern states on environmental and natural resource issues. Several border regions share river systems and ecosystems, making coordinated planning essential for disaster mitigation and sustainable development.
Earlier this year, the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland signed a tripartite agreement to facilitate cooperation on mineral and hydrocarbon exploration in border areas, reflecting ongoing efforts to address interstate resource management through dialogue.
As discussions continue, the Assam government has maintained that any concerns regarding mining in Nagaland should be resolved through the Central government and supported by scientific evidence rather than assumptions. The issue is expected to remain under close watch as authorities examine both environmental impacts and interstate coordination mechanisms in the coming months.
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