Amid fresh concerns over the continuation of alleged illegal coal mining and transportation activities in Meghalaya despite repeated judicial interventions, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday defended the State government’s enforcement efforts, asserting that the administration remains committed to curbing unlawful mining operations even as the scale and geographical spread of coal-bearing areas pose significant challenges.
The remarks came in the backdrop of the 37th Interim Report submitted by the one-man Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey committee, which flagged continued illegal coal mining and transportation in several parts of the State in violation of directions issued by the Supreme Court, the Meghalaya High Court and the National Green Tribunal. The report recorded seizure of 18,479.826 metric tonnes of coal and 47 vehicles by enforcement agencies, besides the recovery of explosives and mining-related equipment, indicating that illegal extraction activities continue despite sustained monitoring.
Responding to questions on the report, the Chief Minister said the issue was far more complex than it appeared, citing the vast number of coal-bearing locations spread across the State and limitations in manpower available for round-the-clock monitoring.
“We are doing that as I maintain maintain from beginning that there are large number of mines just is gentle, has alone has coal mines. That is there in the report itself and therefore, with the whatever administration with we have and manpower, we have even though we focus on 5000 or 6000 locations and areas in one go, there are still 15000 which becomes difficult to do it, as soon as we shift from those 5000 to go to other 5000, Then back in the first 5000 locations which we were monitoring, activities could start. So, it’s not as simple as it sounds,” Sangma said.
Maintaining that the government machinery was working continuously to tackle the problem, the Chief Minister said additional manpower had been deployed from other districts to strengthen enforcement measures in vulnerable coal mining areas.
“What is important is that we are committed, we are sincere in our efforts, the administration have been working over time. We have shifted manpower from other districts to that district to help them and support them in this and will continue to ensure that all steps are taken from the government side, So that all the rules regulations and orders in the from the court are adhere to,” he added.
The Katakey committee report observed that the presence of freshly mined coal, active mining pits, tools, heavy machinery and the use of explosives pointed towards the continuation of illegal mining activities despite judicial prohibitions and regulatory restrictions imposed over the years. The committee further noted that enforcement agencies had issued 33 notices and arrested 29 persons in connection with cases related to illegal coal mining and transportation.
Apart from coal and vehicles, authorities also seized explosive materials, including 25.5 kg of gelatine sticks and 74 detonator sets, raising concerns over the scale and organisation of illegal mining networks operating in parts of the State.
Illegal Coal Mining Continues Despite Crackdown, Says CM Amid Katakey Panel Findings
