Shillong, Dec 4: The Meghalaya government has been urged to take swift and decisive measures to curb illegal coal mining activities in the state. In its 26th interim report, Justice Katakey’s committee recommended a series of actions, including conducting an aerial survey, sealing mine openings, and implementing alternative livelihood schemes for coal miners.
The committee emphasized the urgent need for an aerial survey to identify illegally mined coal stored outside designated depots and beyond the coal already seized under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The report noted that the availability of such coal perpetuates illegal activities, including mining, sale, and transportation. It called for strict enforcement of the MMDR Act provisions, ensuring that illegally mined coal is seized and sold through public auctions rather than remaining in the hands of illegal operators.
Highlighting the vast number of mine openings in the state, the committee urged the government to expedite the process of sealing these sites on a war footing. According to data from the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), East Jaintia Hills District alone has over 22,000 mine openings, many of which are either active, abandoned, or can be reactivated quickly. “The process of actual sealing of the mine openings may take a very long time if such process is not started effectively and diligently on a war footing,” the committee observed.
The committee also recommended the immediate sale of coal seized under the MMDR Act, subject to necessary court permissions. It suggested shifting the seized coal to centralized depots to prevent theft or disappearance. Additionally, it called for Coal India Limited to conduct further auctions of reverified and reassessed coal inventories, in line with the Supreme Court’s order dated July 3, 2019.
Addressing the socio-economic aspect of the issue, the report stressed the need for urgent implementation of approved government schemes to provide alternative livelihoods for coal miners. This, it stated, is essential to deter miners from resorting to illegal activities for survival.
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