Meghalaya's Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Coal Mining
Continued Illegal Activities in Meghalaya
Shillong, Dec 5: Despite the establishment of a one-man committee by the High Court to oversee the situation, illegal coal mining and transportation persist in Meghalaya. The State Government had previously assured measures to curb these activities.
In his 34th interim report, Brojendra Prasad Katakey, a former judge of the Gauhati High Court, emphasized that illegal coal mining and its transportation continue unabated. He has urged the relevant authorities to enhance patrolling in areas where these unlawful activities are prevalent.
The report highlighted that the East Jaintia Hills District is particularly affected by illegal coal mining, and it has instructed authorities to regularly patrol these identified regions.
To combat the transportation of illegally mined coal, all entry and exit points in Meghalaya must be closely monitored by the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in each district.
These officials are also required to provide detailed monthly reports on their actions and progress in addressing illegal mining to the Chief Secretary or a designated Additional Chief Secretary.
The committee expressed serious concerns regarding a shortfall of 40,554.72 metric tonnes of coal recorded in the CIL depots of the East Jaintia Hills district.
Katakey has called for an investigation by the Secretary of the Mining and Geology Department, with a report to be submitted within two weeks.
The Meghalaya Government has been instructed to promptly allocate funds for the demolition of illegal coke oven plants, following a prior High Court directive. Sixteen illegal coke plants have been identified in East Jaintia Hills and 17 in West Khasi Hills districts.
Until these demolitions are carried out, the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in these districts must ensure that the identified plants cease operations.
Additionally, the Mining and Geology Department has been tasked with expediting the submission of project proposals necessary for utilizing the ₹100 crore deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board. So far, only a small portion of these funds has been utilized, and the remaining amount should be allocated for environmental and regulatory purposes as mandated by the Supreme Court.