Shillong, Dec 11: The Meghalaya High Court on Friday directed the district collectors (DC) to take action against anybody found involved in illegal mining of coal in the state.

The order was passed by the Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh while hearing a PIL on the matter.

This also came after the Amicus informed that there is rampant illegal mining all over the state but little action had been taken by the state in such regard.

The Bench was also of the view that there has to be a political will to curb and altogether stop illegal mining.

“In this cash-strapped State, mining licenses may be a source of revenue and the State should file a report through the Chief Secretary as to the measures which have been adopted to stop illegal mining,” it stated.

The Bench also directed all district collectors to ascertain from any person undertaking mining activities in the relevant districts and the adherence to the conditions of the licenses, if any, which may be granted.

“The slightest suspicion that any person is functioning without a license or in excess of the areas or conditions specified in the license should prompt the District Collector to take immediate appropriate steps, including initiating criminal action against the persons concerned,” it said.

The Bench further directed the Chief Secretary to monitor the entire matter and submit a report indicating the action taken on the matter.

“It will be open to the Chief Secretary to obtain any information of illegal mining activities from learned Amicus appointed in this matter since he has undertaken some visits to locations where it is perceived that illegal mining activities are conducted,” it said.

The next hearing will be held on February 15, next year.