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17 July 2026

Illegal coal mining near Assam-Arunachal border

The topic serves as a practical case study for illustrating systemic governance failures, corruption, and environmental degradation related to natural resource management in India.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Reports of illegal coal extraction from abandoned Coal India Limited (CIL) mines near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
  • Specific location identified: Itakhola area of Ledo, Margherita Subdivision.
  • Mechanism of operation: Illegal extraction followed by transport via various vehicle types (vans, pickups, trucks, dumpers).
  • Financial mechanism: Use of an 'entry system' accounting method, allegedly managed from a roadside location to collect fees.
  • End-use: Illegal coal is reportedly supplied to five brick kilns and coke kilns.
  • Involvement: Allegations of collusion between private actors and former CIL officials.
  • Governance concerns: Lack of oversight by district authorities, police, North Eastern Coalfields, Forest Department, and Railway officials.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Illegal coal mining operations in Northeast India, which has been running since 10 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Illegal mining in ecologically sensitive regions poses significant threats to environmental sustainability and state revenue. Discuss the regulatory challenges in monitoring abandoned mining sites and suggest measures to strengthen enforcement. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The nexus between illegal resource extraction and organized crime undermines the rule of law and sustainable development in India's peripheral regions. Analyze the socio-economic implications of such activities and evaluate the role of inter-agency coordination in curbing illegal mining operations. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. With reference to the North Eastern Coalfields, which of the following statements is correct?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-17/illegal-coal-mining-near-assam-arunachal-border