SHILLONG : On 8th of December, Meghalaya High Court stated that more than 13MT of coal was illegally mined and transported which the state sought to pass off as coal mined before the ban on coal mining.
Justice Katakey report on availability of coal in East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hill, South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills mentioned that 19,54,250 MT coal was present in Meghalaya. A report by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang in September stated that 32.56 MT coal was there for auction.
On 2nd December Justice Katakey suggested drone videography to check on the matter. The court wanted Katakey to accelerate the process. The court announced the next hearing on 7th of February 2023. A deprecation order was also filed against the Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Jaintia Hills.
This action took place after a report revealed illegal mining of coal is being carried out in the region. The wonder caves in Jaintia Hills are at risk from unwelcomed mining, this particular statement made BP Katakey to ask for a report from the district Deputy Commissioner.
A report was submitted on 3rd of December by the Deputy Commissioner, which stated that illegal coal mining are still in the scenario. As per the information by Mining and Geology secretary, a lot of coke oven plants and ferro alloys are operating without any sort of consent from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
It came to the Court's notice that, inspite of the operation of these coke ovens and ferro alloys without a due permission, the source of coal at the sites has not been reported in the state.
The HC adviced Justice Katakey to check upon the transportation and marketing of the reassessed coal. Justice Katakey advised all the vehicles that are engaged in transporting coal, to attach a GPS device.
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