Speaking to the media after chairing a meeting, Justice Katakey highlighted the need for the surveys, stating, “The government has entrusted the aerial survey to a private agency, and their representative also participated in today’s proceedings. They have already started the work, and I have directed them to submit their final report along with the map by February 28.”
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 Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday directed the State government to immediately transfer the present Superintendent of Police (SP) of East Jaintia Hills for his failure to stop illegal coal mining and transportation in the district.
It might be mentioned that there have been allegations of illegal coal mining in the area for quite some time now. An FIR has been filed in this regard, and an investigation is underway.
He said the state have been engaged in this form of mining for last 200 years and livelihood is based around that and unless and until alternate forms of livelihood don’t come up people will keep going back to those activities.
