Meghalaya HC panel orders crackdown on illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills

Guwahati: The Justice BP Katakey Committee has instructed authorities in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills to tighten action against illegal coal mining by identifying vulnerable zones and increasing field surveillance.

Unlawful coal extraction remains widespread in East Jaintia Hills, the most affected district, the committee said in its latest interim report to the Meghalaya High Court.

It asked the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to pinpoint villages where illegal mining continues and ensure regular police presence in these areas.

The panel also called for stricter monitoring of roads and entry points to stop the transport of illegally sourced coal.

The committee made district officials directly answerable for enforcement. It directed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to personally monitor operations and submit monthly reports to the Chief Secretary or a nominated Additional Chief Secretary.

These reports must outline steps taken to prevent illegal mining and detail cases registered against offenders.

Attention was also drawn to coal already lying in storage. The panel recommended immediate auction of re-verified coal stocks kept at Coal India Limited depots.

At the same time, it ordered the Mining and Geology Department to complete a time-bound probe into the reported disappearance of 40,554.72 metric tonnes of coal from designated depots in East Jaintia Hills.

In a separate directive, district officials in South West Khasi Hills were told to clear pending coal transportation requests within 15 days of auctions, provided environmental approvals are in place and conditions under the Revised Comprehensive Plan, 2022, are met.

The panel also asked the Mining and Geology Department to immediately move ahead with plans to spend the Rs 100 crore held by the Central Pollution Control Board for regulatory enforcement and environmental restoration.