One of the main issues raised in the article involves stabilization of ground by filling underground voids with sand. It must be appreciated that coal mining in Raniganj coalfield started over two centuries ago...[T]he Directorate General of Mines...stated that stabilization was not a permanent solution. The Master Plan for Raniganj Coalfield thus involves rehabilitation of localities identified as potentially unstable...As far as possible the company...takes all possible measures to check illegal mining in the areas under its possession...Illegal mining reflects a socio-economic malaise when viewed from a broad perspective. The socio-economic aspects to be taken into account need to encompass the full cross-section of stakeholders right from the miner involved to consumers of such coal.