One-man panel to probe Dehing Patkai mining charges

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday constituted the commission to probe all charges against Coal India Ltd, which had been reportedly carrying out mining activities in the Dehing Patkai (rain forest) region since 2003.

Located in Upper Assam, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 111.942 square kilometres.

It may be recalled that in May, Sonowal had ordered state environment and forests minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary to conduct a survey there amid opposition from several quarters against the purported attempt of coal mining in the sanctuary.

Sonowal said that the state government was committed to protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Earlier this month, the chief minister had during a meeting directed authorities to take necessary steps to upgrade Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary into a national park.

Sonowal further directed the forest department to prepare a draft notification and hold public hearings to take the views of dwellers residing around the wildlife sanctuary.

He also instructed officials to prepare an action plan for preserving the adjoining areas of the wildlife sanctuary and include the opinions of the people in the adjoining areas in the draft action plan.