An extensive aerial survey conducted by Garuda has revealed the presence of over 1.92 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal scattered across four districts in Meghalaya. This was disclosed by the Justice (retd) BP Katakey Committee, which was appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to investigate illegal coal mining activities in the state.
During a press briefing in Shillong, Justice Katakey detailed the findings from the survey, highlighting that the unaccounted coal was located in East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills. The discovery follows growing concerns about the environmental and legal implications of unauthorized coal mining in the region.
Justice Katakey informed that the committee is awaiting certain clarifications from the survey company, expected to arrive shortly. “Based on their findings, we noticed a significant quantity of coal detected within a 1 km radius of the surveyed areas. I have urged local authorities, including deputy commissioners and superintendents of police, to monitor any movement of coal beyond this figure closely,” he stated.
The committee plans to compile these findings into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Meghalaya High Court. Justice Katakey refrained from disclosing his recommendations until the report is officially presented and made public by the court.
Addressing the legalities of coal mining post the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ban, which was supported by the Supreme Court’s ruling, Katakey emphasized, “Any coal found outside the depots of Coal India Limited (CIL) is illegal. No rat-hole mining is allowed unless permitted under the provisions of the MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) Act.”
Moreover, Katakey noted recent developments regarding legal mining activities: “The government has issued a prospective license, and four more individuals have received approvals, totaling eight. Of these, three have obtained environmental clearance and have commenced mining, while five are still pending approval.”
