HC Panel Confirms Ongoing Illegal Coal Mining in Meghalaya, Orders Sweeping Enforcement Steps

Overview

• Justice B.P. Katakey’s one-man committee verified active illegal extraction in East Jaintia Hills, concluding operations continue despite NGT and Supreme Court orders.
• At Lumbangla, a reinforced mine opening, cranes, tools and about 2,112 MT of dumped coal were documented, with the committee faulting police for missing an obvious, long-running site.
• Police records showed inconsistencies, including conflicting FIR dates, and only two coal dumps were seized despite photographic evidence of equipment at the scene.
• The panel directed the district to map vulnerable areas, increase patrols, secure all entry and exit points, and file monthly action reports signed by the DC and SP to the chief secretary.
• An inquiry was ordered into a 40,554.72 MT shortfall of inventoried coal in Coal India depots, fresh auctions were urged after poor April uptake, and funds were demanded to demolish 33 illegal coke plants.