Kohima, Nagaland, February 27 (HBTV): The unique landholding system in Nagaland makes it difficult for the state to hold accountable illegal coal mining even though there are reports of illegal mines in the state, said Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today. 

Rio said there are 45 coal mining license holders operating in the coal-bearing districts of Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, Tuensang, and Mon.  

“There are reports of illegal mines in the state. The unique land holding system in the state makes accounting difficult for such mines,’ Rio said during the ongoing fourth session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima. 

Rio was responding to a query by MLA Nuklutoshi.    

Rio said that the department had been conducting campaigns from time to time with stakeholders and village councils to sensitize people on the adverse impacts of illegal coal mining on the environment and the need for reclamation where required. 

On January 25, six coal miners were killed and four others injured in a coal mine accident in Wokha district. The accident happened at Ruchan village in the Bhandari sub-division of Wokha district. The cause of the accident was "fire and explosion of methane gas," according to the Directorate of Geology & Mining.     

The fire and explosion might have occurred due to a frictional spark from using a portable handheld drilling machine, the authorities stated.