Illegal coal mining persists in Meghalaya despite HC monitoring, says interim report

Guwahati: Illegal coal mining and transportation continue unabated in Meghalaya, despite the appointment of a one-man monitoring committee by the High Court and assurances from the state government to curb such activities.

In his 34th interim report, Brojendra Prasad Katakey, former judge of the Gauhati High Court, highlighted that coal mining and movement of illegally mined coal persist in several areas, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills district. He has directed authorities to increase patrolling in identified hotspots to curb these unlawful operations.

The report instructed the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in each district to personally supervise all entry and exit points to prevent illegal coal transportation. Officials are required to submit detailed monthly reports on action taken and progress to the Chief Secretary or a designated Additional Chief Secretary.

Katakey also raised serious concerns over a shortage of 40,554.72 metric tonnes of inventoried coal at Coal India Limited depots in East Jaintia Hills. He ordered the Secretary of the Mining and Geology Department to conduct an inquiry and submit the findings within two weeks.

The committee further directed the Meghalaya government to immediately release funds for the demolition of illegal coke oven plants, as previously mandated by the High Court. So far, authorities have identified 16 illegal coke plants in East Jaintia Hills and 17 in West Khasi Hills. Until demolition, the Deputy Commissioners and SPs of these districts must ensure the plants remain non-operational.

The committee instructed the Mining and Geology Department to expedite the submission of project proposals to utilize the Rs 100 crore deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board. It noted that authorities have used only a small portion of the funds so far and must allocate the remaining money for environmental and regulatory purposes, as mandated by the Supreme Court.