Assam CM orders judicial probe into illegal coal mining at Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday ordered a judicial inquiry into the illegal coal mining at the Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Retired Justice Brajendra Prasad Kataki of the Gauhati High Court will look into the coal mining in the sanctuary since 2003, according to a release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Several petitions have been filed at the high court over the issue.

Justice Kataki is also leading the National Green Tribunal’s probe into Oil India Limited’s gas well fire incident at Baghjan in Tinsukia district and is, at present, the chairman of the Police Accountability Commission.