Shillong, Oct 10: The office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaiñtia Hills, on Monday issued an order under Section 144 CrPC preventing illegal mining of coal, illegal transportation and dumping of coal in the district.

“..rat hole coal mining deemed hazardous to the people and the environment was banned by the National Green Tribunal in April 2014… there has been multiple coal accidents in the district during attempts to illegally mine the coal in the district despite the ban,” read the DC’s order dated October 6, 2022.

In compliance with the directions issued by the National Green Tribunal, the District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District has prohibited rathole coal mining in all areas within East Jaintia Hills District and transportation of coal without valid challan or documents or permission/license issued by competent authority to and from the District.

The order warned that violation of the order shall attract penal actions under Section 188 IPC apart from the other prevalent relevant laws. Furthermore, the order comes into force with immediate effect and until further orders.