A Chronicle of Greed, Corruption, and Neglect
by Mrinal Talukdar
The recent tragedy in Umrangshu, Karbi Anglong, where nine laborers are feared dead due to a rathole mine collapse, is a grim reminder of the unchecked greed and corruption that plague Assam’s mining industry.
This catastrophe is not merely an accident but a systemic failure facilitated by a nexus of political leaders, bureaucrats, and business entities. The government’s futile rescue operations, performed for optics, further underline the apathy and complicity of those in power.

The Syndicate: A Nexus of Power and Exploitation
At the heart of this disaster lies an unholy alliance involving the Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDC), local politicians led by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Garlosa, his wife Monika Garlosa, and their close associates. This syndicate has systematically bypassed multiple court orders and environmental regulations to continue illegal mining operations.
Despite clear directives from courts and environmental agencies to halt hazardous rathole mining, this powerful group has found ways to operate clandestinely. Their modus operandi involves exploiting legal loopholes, intimidating local activists, and bribing authorities. The collusion ensures uninterrupted mining operations, filling the coffers of the syndicate while endangering the lives of vulnerable laborers and devastating the environment.

Government Complicity and AMDC’s Role
The Assam Mineral Development Corporation, instead of acting as a custodian of the state’s natural resources, has turned into an enabler of illegal activities. The AMDC’s lack of enforcement, coupled with its opaque dealings, has allowed mining to flourish in violation of legal and ethical standards.
The government’s response to the disaster has been lackluster at best. Rescue operations, which should have been swift and effective, appear to be a mere spectacle designed to pacify public outrage. No significant accountability has been fixed on those who authorized or turned a blind eye to these illegal mining activities.
The Role of Local Politicians
CEM Debolal Garlosa and his wife Monika Garlosa have emerged as central figures in this exploitative enterprise. Their influence over local governance and law enforcement has ensured that mining syndicates operate with impunity. This political patronage not only sustains illegal mining but also silences dissent, as activists and whistleblowers face threats and intimidation.
The Garlosa family’s political clout has allowed them to flout court orders with astonishing ease. Recent investigative reports and local sources suggest that they have deep-rooted connections with contractors and business interests involved in rathole mining, ensuring a steady flow of profits while ignoring safety protocols and legal mandates.

Environmental and Social Devastation
The impact of illegal rathole mining extends beyond the immediate loss of lives. The fragile ecology of Karbi Anglong is under severe threat due to unregulated mining practices. Deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion are rampant in the region, displacing local communities and destroying their livelihoods.
Laborers, often migrants or locals from impoverished backgrounds, are lured into these hazardous mines with the promise of minimal wages. They work without basic safety equipment, making tragedies like the recent mine collapse inevitable. Their plight underscores the human cost of this exploitative industry.

Court Orders Ignored
The judiciary has repeatedly issued orders to halt illegal mining activities in Karbi Anglong. However, these directives have been systematically ignored. Reports suggest that even when operations are temporarily paused, they resume under the guise of legal clearances or through sheer defiance of authority. The lack of stringent monitoring and punitive action emboldens the perpetrators.
The Optics of Rescue and the Road Ahead
The ongoing rescue operations at Umrangshu, with Navy divers and pumping machine from ONGC, while commendable in intent, are woefully inadequate. They serve more as a public relations exercise than a genuine effort to save lives or bring accountability. The state government and AMDC must answer for their failure to prevent such disasters despite numerous warnings and red flags.

Conclusion and Call for Action
The Umrangshu disaster is a glaring example of systemic corruption, administrative failure, and political complicity. Unless swift and decisive action is taken, such tragedies will continue to claim lives and devastate Assam’s natural heritage.
It is imperative for the judiciary, environmental agencies, and civil society to come together and demand accountability. The following steps are crucial:
- Independent Investigation: A high-level inquiry, independent of state government influence, must investigate the roles of the AMDC, local politicians, and contractors.
- Legal Action: Court orders must be enforced rigorously, with severe penalties for violations.
- Support for Laborers: Immediate relief and rehabilitation for affected families and stricter labor laws to ensure safety and fair wages.
- Environmental Restoration: Comprehensive measures to restore the ecological balance in Karbi Anglong.
- Monitoring and Transparency: Establishing a transparent monitoring mechanism to oversee mining operations and prevent illegal activities.
The Umrangshu tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for Assam. The unchecked exploitation of natural resources and human lives for profit cannot be allowed to continue. If systemic reforms are not implemented, the next disaster is not a matter of if, but when.