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The King arrived in a royal helicopter at the Jogighopa facility on April 19 at around 9 am. He was received and warmly welcomed by Assam Public Health and Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.
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The Gauhati High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 29/2020) filed in 2020 by Mrinmoy Khataniar and Amar Jyoti Deka.
Digital Desk: The Gauhati High Court has issued summons to the Principal Secretary of the State's Home and Political Department and the Director General of Police (DGP) demanding to appear in person on February 14 if they fail to submit affidavits on February 13 detailing the measures taken to control illegal coal mining.
A division bench comprising two justices Kalyan Sai Surana and Malasri Nandi on Thursday directed the officials who hold senior positions demanding their appearance in the court.
The Gauhati High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 29/2020) filed in 2020 by Mrinmoy Khataniar and Amar Jyoti Deka, challenging the proposed diversion of 98.59 hectares of forest land in Saleki Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF) for a coal mining project. The petitioners also raised demands like the declaration of Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve and other eco-sensitive areas as ecologically fragile regions.
The court was prompted to take this step following repeated reminders on September 19, October 29, and November 20, 2024, where the Assam government was directed to submit affidavits on measures taken to stop illegal mining.
The Gauhati High Court order said that senior officials are not summoned usually before the court. However, they have ignored repeated reminders several times, which prompted the court to take the latest decision. If they do not appear in person on February 14, they have to face serious consequences.
Justice Kalyan Sai Surana said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change along with the Assam government should have the responsibility to prevent illegal coal mining. The Gauhati High Court's stern action has concerned environmentalists and citizens over the seriousness and government's inability to curb illegal coal mining in various parts of Assam.
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