Tinsukia, July 9 -- Fresh allegations of illegal coal mining-related activities inside the Tinkupani Elephant Reserve Forest in Assam's Tinsukia district have reignited concerns over the protection of one of Upper Assam's ecologically sensitive wildlife habitats.

The allegations were made by Digboi-based conservationist Devajit Moran, who, in a social media post on Wednesday, claimed that roads had been constructed inside the approximately 525-hectare reserve forest under the Jagun Range of the Digboi Forest Division to facilitate illegal coal mining and tree felling.

Appealing to Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, Moran urged the state government to ensure strict protection of the reserve forest, asserting that mining activiti...