Guwahati, Sept. 7 -- Illegal "rat-hole" coal mining has reemerged in the coal belt of Upper Assam, despite previous police crackdowns, according to wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran.

Devajit Moran shared his claims and photographic evidence in a social media post, warning of a devastating toll on both human lives and the environment.

Residents of the Ledo-Margherita area alleged that their repeated pleas to district and state authorities have been met with indifference, allowing the coal mafia to operate with impunity.

Locals said the coal mafia exploits poor and vulnerable laborers, luring them into the hazardous practice of rat-hole mining. Many of these workers reportedly die in the unregulated pits.

The mafia then allegedly c...