NGT already monitoring coal trade in Meghalaya: Prestone Tynsong

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday questioned why the Opposition wants a 'court monitored probe' into the alleged illegal coal mining in the State.

"I don't know why the LO (Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma) says that you need again another body to go in-depth into this alleged illegal mining in Meghalaya. The NGT (National Green Tribunal) is monitoring on a regular basis about the illegal mining activities," Tynsong said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that in fact the system is already in place with an SIT already constituted by the NGT.

He also said that the State Government is committed to making sure that there is no illegal mining activities after the NGT banned coal mining in Meghalaya in 2014.

"From that time itself the Government, the then one and also the present one, we are committed to make sure that illegal mining of coal does not happen in the State," Tynsong said.

The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the Government have clearly instructed all the district administrations and superintendents of police to properly check illegal activities.

"That is the standing order issued by the Government," Tynsong added.

It may be mentioned that former Chief Minister and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Sangma has demanded a court-monitored investigation into the alleged rampant illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya.

On Monday, he had visited the coal belt of South Garo Hills following inputs from various local residents and his party MDCs regarding rampant activities of illegal mining and transportation of the mineral.

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