Meghalaya High Court directs state government to file a report on illegal coal mining

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court on December 10, has directed the State government to file a report on the issue of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.

"The entire matter should be monitored by the Chief Secretary and a report filed, indicating the action which has been taken, when the matter appears a fortnight after the vacation," a division bench of the High Court consisting of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh stated.

The High Court also stated that it will be open to the Chief Secretary to obtain any information of illegal mining activities from learned Amicus appointed in this matter since he has undertaken some visits to locations where it is perceived that illegal mining activities are conducted.

According to the division bench of the Meghalaya High Court, there has to be a political will to curb and altogether stop illegal mining.

"In this cash-strapped State, mining licenses may be a source of revenue and the State should file a report through the Chief Secretary as to the measures which have been adopted to stop illegal mining," the High Court stated.

The High Court also stated that copies of this order must be reached to all the District Collectors for such Collectors to ascertain from any person undertaking mining activities in the relevant districts as to the authority therefor and the adherence to the conditions of the licenses, if any, which may be granted.

"The slightest suspicion that any person is functioning without a license or in excess of the areas or conditions specified in the license should prompt the District Collector to take immediate appropriate steps, including initiating criminal action against the persons concerned," the order stated.

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