High Court panel finds illegal coal mining in Meghalaya

High Court committee uncovers illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, recommends measures to curb activities, including aerial survey.

A committee appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya has found evidence of illegal mining and transportation of coal in the State’s South Garo Hills district.

The panel, headed by retired judge B. P. Katakey, was appointed in April 2022 to recommend measures to the Meghalaya government in compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which banned the hazardous rat-hole coal mining in April 2014.

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“Coal is coming from somewhere, and mining is taking place. This conclusion is based on available information, which will be included in my report to the High Court of Meghalaya,” Justice Katakey said after a meeting on Tuesday to address the implementation of measures to curb illegal mining in the State.

Earlier, all District Magistrates in Meghalaya were instructed to report the quantity of coal seized between November 2024 and January. Most district heads denied any mining activities within their jurisdictions, but the District Magistrate of South Garo Hills reported the seizure of more than 2,500 metric tonnes of illegal coal during the period.

The committee received seven complaints, one accompanied by a video clip, about illegal mining, which is currently under investigation. Justice Katakey said notices have been issued concerning some of these complaints, and the department concerned has been directed to record statements from the parties involved.

He said the State government was asked to audit the coal sources used for coke, ferroalloys, and power generation by the cement plants. The cement companies were asked to pay ₹400 crore, a decision challenged by the Supreme Court.