Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has expressed serious concerns over the persistent issue of illegal coal mining in the state and has directed the Meghalaya government to file a comprehensive fresh status report within four weeks.
The order, issued on April 28, 2025, came after the court reviewed the 27th Interim Report filed by the Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey Committee and the state’s subsequent action taken report.
A key point of concern highlighted by the Justice Katakey Committee’s 28th Interim Report was the alarming discovery of a massive 1,92,840.13 tonnes of undocumented coal found outside the designated depots of Coal India Limited (CIL).
Shockingly, a significant portion of this, amounting to 1,80,299.48 tonnes, was detected in the East Jaintia Hills district alone.
The court, comprising Justice H. S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh, acknowledged the state’s submissions regarding the auction of leftover coal, recovery of demurrage charges, and efforts to amend the Auction Policy 2022.
However, the sheer volume of unaccounted coal has prompted the court to demand a detailed explanation from the state government.
The Advocate General (AG), A. Kumar, sought time to take instructions and file a report explaining the circumstances surrounding this significant discovery.
Furthermore, the High Court also took note of the lack of progress by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) in interpreting aerial maps to assess coal deposits in villages of South West Khasi Hills.
The committee’s report noted the MBDA’s absence from crucial meetings and their failure to produce any reports based on the UAV surveys conducted.
Another critical issue raised was the alleged violation of the Revised Comprehensive Plan, 2022, in the issuance of Mining Transport Challans (MTC) by the Directorate of Mineral Resources.
Instances were found where essential details like the owner’s and driver’s information, vehicle numbers, and coal owner’s mobile number were missing.
Additionally, discrepancies were found between the vehicle details on the challans and the vehicles being checked.
Taking a strong stance, the High Court directed that a copy of the 28th Interim Report be provided to the state respondents, specifically instructing them to address the detection of the excess coal by the Garuda UAV in East Jaintia Hills in their detailed status report.
Responding to a plea from the AG, the court also ordered the expedition of cases related to illegally seized coal under Section 21 of the MMDR Act pending in the Specially Designated Courts.
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With several crucial aspects still requiring clarification and action, the High Court has scheduled the next hearing for June 2, 2025, by which time it expects a comprehensive fresh status report from the Meghalaya government.
This order underscores the judiciary’s continued scrutiny and commitment to curbing illegal coal mining activities in the state.
