EXCLUSIVE
Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey, heading the Meghalaya High Court-appointed committee investigating illegal coal mining, has instructed the East Jaintia Hills District administration to submit a report by May 23. The committee, tasked with overseeing the state’s illegal coal mining activities, requires other districts to submit their reports by May 14. Justice Katakey emphasized that the verification of coal deposits in East Jaintia Hills, the largest coal-producing area, would take additional time. “I have requested the administration for periodic submissions because, if I wait for the entire exercise to be completed, it may take longer,” he stated. “The next report will be submitted by the 23rd of this month as I am expected to present a comprehensive report to the High Court by June 2,” he added.
As the committee intensifies its efforts to unearth the extent of illegal coal operations in Meghalaya, its recent investigations have brought to light a staggering volume of unlawfully extracted coal. Over 1.92 lakh metric tons have been detected across four districts, with East Jaintia Hills alone accounting for nearly 1.8 lakh metric tons—underscoring the district’s central role in the state’s illicit coal economy. “Illegal coal mining is ongoing in these four districts, as evidenced by the substantial coal quantities found,” said Justice Katakey. These revelations were substantiated through an aerial survey conducted by Garuda UAV, which pinpointed more than 1.90 lakh metric tons of unaccounted coal stored outside official inventory and seizure records.
Justice Katakey praised the Meghalaya government’s swift response, stating, “The government has immediately taken up the issue with the respective Deputy Commissioners, and the verification process is underway in the districts.” Acting under the MMDR Act, district authorities have already begun seizing illegal stocks. In East Jaintia Hills, more than 6,000 metric tons have been confiscated from 11 locations flagged by the drone survey.
Further, the committee has recommended urgent amendments to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2024, particularly the inclusion of officials from the taxation department in the inspection and documentation process for coal brought in from outside the state. “The committee has accepted these suggestions, and the notification is expected shortly,” confirmed Justice Katakey.
The broader implications of these discoveries are alarming. “The 28th Interim Report reflects significant evidence of illegal coal mining in these districts,” he concluded. “It is crucial that we continue our vigilance, especially as the process of legal coal extraction begins. We must ensure that illegal coal does not enter the market under the guise of legitimate mining.” Justice Katakey will submit the committee’s next report to the High Court between May 27 and 28.
