Guwahati, March 6 -- The Assam government announced on Wednesday that authorities have identified at least 263 illegal rat-hole coal mines in the central region of the state, which fall under the jurisdiction of two autonomous councils.

The government also informed the assembly that it has confiscated over 25,630 tonnes of illegal coal over the past three years.

In response to a question from Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai said that authorities discovered 248 rat-hole mines in the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), which includes Dima Hasao district.

Meanwhile, 15 rat-hole mines have been located in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, covering East Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong...