Meghalaya high court-appointed panel extends deadline for coal transportation

SHILLONG: The single-member committee, mandated by the Meghalaya high court, has issued directives for the extension of the deadline regarding the transportation of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal from pithead to designated depots in various districts.

The move comes as transit passes have already been issued for a substantial quantity of coal in South West Khasi Hills district, West Khasi Hills district, and South Garo Hills district, with the coal currently in transit to the designated depots.

In South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, the committee noted the passing of two original coal owners and subsequent requests from individuals claiming to be legal heirs for additional time to provide supporting evidence.

However, in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, the committee recommended the confiscation/seizure of the remaining quantity of 1,34,608.662 MT of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal, as the coal owners have purportedly shown no interest in transporting it to the designated depots, as per the high court's order dated 09/02/2024.

Furthermore, the committee advised granting an additional 30 days to successful auction purchasers of re-assessed/re-verified inventoried coal auctioned by the CIL for the deposit of the entire auction value.

This extension considers the time required from the issuance of the auction notice to the lifting of the auctioned coal by purchasers.

Failure to deposit the auction value within the specified period may result in the forfeiture of earnest money, with the coal put up for re-auction.

Additionally, the committee directed Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in the concerned districts to file appropriate applications before the respective Courts of law for the auction of seized coal under the provisions of the MMDR Act, ensuring its sale in public auctions expeditiously.

The report provided details of seized coal and ongoing auction proceedings in various districts. Notably, there is a significant quantity of coal yet to be lifted by auction purchasers in several districts, necessitating prompt action to facilitate auctions and transportation.

Overall, the committee's recommendations aim to streamline auction processes, ensure timely transportation of coal, and uphold transparency in compliance with legal regulations governing mineral resources in Meghalaya.