Shillong, March 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday said as many as 250 cases of illegal transportation of coal have been registered in the state so far.

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister has informed the Assembly that a Proper investigation into these cases is on, and the Government is serious about this issue.

” We will never allow such illegalities,” Sangma assured.

Even as he mentioned, “In the past few months, 95 arrests were made and 146 cases charge-sheeted.”

“The Meghalaya Government has taken several measures to stop illegal coal mining to ensure no illegal mining of coal takes place in the State,” Sangma said.

“Since the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) took over in 2018, we enforced the Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation)-MMDR Act,” he said.

In response to a question raised by Congress MLA Mohendro Rapsang during the ongoing budget session, Sangma said “Based on inputs provided by the State Government, the Union Government replied to “Unstarred Question No. 656” in the Rajya Sabha.”

Talking about the measures taken by the Government to stop illegal coal mining, Sangma said “In exercise of the power conferred under Section 22 of the MMDR Act, 1957, Officers are authorized to make written complaint before Court for offences punishable under said Act,” he added.

The Chief Minister also assured the Assembly that Strict instructions have been passed to Deputy Commissioners and Superintendent of Police to control illegal coal mining and enforce ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal.

The Government has been issuing prohibitory orders to stop illegal coal mining from time to time.

State Government has enforced provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and cases are being registered under Section 21 of the Act against illegal coal mining.

“The Authorized Officers have been notified by the Government under Section 21(4) of the MMDR Act, 1957 for seizing any mineral which has been mined or transported unlawfully along with vehicles, tools and equipments,” the CM added.