Overview
- The Supreme Court’s CEC told the registry on September 15 that USTM occupied more than 25 hectares of deemed forest without mandatory clearance and proposed penalties exceeding ₹150 crore.
- Meghalaya formed an inspection panel led by the Ri-Bhoi additional deputy commissioner with pollution control, mining and district officers to verify the findings on the ground.
- The committee is conducting site inspections and is due to submit its verification report to the state government by October 15.
- During visits, the panel reportedly detected illegal mining activity and advised a halt to quarrying and stone-crushing pending review.
- Thousands from 12 villages rallied in the Killing area opposing the petition and warning of border tensions, as the case advances toward judicial scrutiny.