Coal royalty crosses INR 24 cr. in Nagaland; NLA panel seeks curb on illegal mining

KOHIMA — The department of Geology and Mining has informed that a total coal royalty amounting to INR 24,31,78,945 was deposited to the state exchequer between 2006 and 2023.

This was stated in the 85th report of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation 2025–26 on the Nagaland Coal and Mining (First Amendment) Rules, 2014. The report was adopted on August 18, 2025, and presented before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on September 2.

In response to a query by the committee, the department clarified that the royalty rate had been revised from INR 290 per tonne to INR 420 per tonne, effective October 5, 2021. It also informed that 12 coal prospecting licences have been issued so far.

On the issue of illegal coal mining, the department stated that the government has constituted district task forces chaired by respective deputy commissioners, with members from the Police, Forest, and Geology and Mining departments, to monitor and act against such activities.

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However, the committee expressed concern over the persistence of illegal mining, observing that such operations often lack structural safeguards, thereby increasing the risk of cave-ins, landslides, and explosions.

It also noted that miners are frequently exposed to harmful substances such as lead and mercury, which can cause chronic health problems.

Further, the committee warned that illegal mining deprives the state of legitimate revenue as taxes and royalties go unpaid, ultimately affecting the economy.

Taking these factors into account, the committee urged the department to devise innovative and effective measures to curb illegal mining.

It also recommended strict enforcement of penalties on defaulters to deter such practices in the future.