The Centre has sought a full-fledged report from the Meghalaya government following a deadly dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Mynsyngat–Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district that claimed the lives of 18 miners, even as the Union Ministry of Coal stepped up coordination with the state to ensure rescue operations and fix accountability.
The incident has once again brought illegal coal mining in the region under sharp focus, with the Centre reiterating a zero-tolerance stance and urging states to act decisively to prevent such tragedies.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy expressed deep anguish over the incident, saying, “The tragic incident where several people lost their lives in an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has caused me deep anguish.” Emphasising the need for accountability, the minister said, “I have also instructed the Ministry to seek a full fledged report from the State Government so that accountability is fixed and such incidents are not repeated.”
Reddy said the Centre has repeatedly flagged the issue of illegal coal mining with state governments, warning that such activities continue despite clear directives. “We have been writing to State Govts again and again to stop illegal coal mining. Still, mafia runs illegal coal mines at various places and makes innocent people work there…I have sought a report from Meghalaya Govt…I urge all State Govts to stop illegal mining. There should be no compromise. Such accidents should not occur. Illegal mining should not take place,” he said.
The Union Minister also said the Ministry of Coal is closely coordinating with the Meghalaya government to ensure rescue efforts are carried out swiftly. “The Ministry of Coal is in touch with the Meghalaya Government to ensure a swift rescue of those that are still trapped inside,” he added.
Clarifying the Centre’s position on coal mining operations in the state, Reddy said there are no authorised coal mines under the Government of India in Meghalaya. “There is no Govt of India coal mine in Meghalaya. Not even one block of coal mine has been auctioned to date. Neither PSU coal mines nor commercial coal mines exist there. Illegal coal mining occurs there. This needs to be stopped under the supervision of the State Govt,” the Union Minister said.
The incident has renewed concerns over the persistence of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills region, despite repeated warnings and directives from the Centre, raising questions over enforcement and monitoring at the ground level.
