Guwahati: Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi has called for urgent government action against an alleged illegal coal transportation network operating through Upper Assam. In a letter dated November 8, he urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to order an investigation into the movement of suspected coal-laden trucks across the region.
Gogoi claimed that approximately 42 trucks carrying coal were stationed along the Jhanji–Hanhchara stretch of the National Highway in Jorhat district. According to his allegations, the consignments originated in Meghalaya and were being transported towards Nagaland through Amguri. He questioned the prolonged parking of the vehicles and demanded that authorities verify their transportation documents.
The legislator also raised concerns over reports of more than 200 suspected coal-laden trucks stranded near the Assam–West Bengal border. He alleged that transport operators were exploring alternative routes through several districts of Assam to move the consignments towards railway stations in Nagaland and Assam.
Apart from the transportation allegations, Gogoi highlighted the possible environmental consequences of unauthorised coal mining and extraction activities. He called for a CBI investigation into whether such activities had contributed to environmental damage and aggravated recent flooding in Upper Assam.
Gogoi demanded verification of mining permits, royalty payments, transit passes and railway documents. He also sought action against any transport operators, government officials or other individuals found responsible for illegal activities.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the MLA has sought an impartial investigation to establish the facts.
