Illegal coal mining threatens Assam elephant reserve

Guwahati: Illegal coal mining is back in the Tinkupani Elephant Reserve Forest. Digboi-based conservationist Devajit Moran claims crews built roads inside the 525-hectare reserve to haul coal and move timber. The site falls under the Jagun Range of the Digboi Forest Division.

The area is a critical spot for wildlife. Elephants and other animals visit a natural salt lick there for essential minerals. It supports sun bears, deer, and diverse plant life. Moran demanded immediate action from Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah. He wrote that "mining activities should not be allowed inside a protected elephant habitat under any circumstances."

Public outrage recently forced the Forest Department to remove 36 excavators from the woods. Despite this, the heavy machines sit near the Jagun area. Locals fear the work will start again. Moran wants the government to post permanent signs and issue written bans on all mining inside the reserve. Neither the state government nor the Forest Department has answered these new claims.