Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy has sought a report from the Meghalaya government following the coal mine incident in the East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, which claimed the lives of 18 miners.
Expressing his anguish, Reddy said, “An accident has occurred in illegal coal mines in Meghalaya. Several people died. There is no government of India coal mine in Meghalaya. Not even one block of coal mine has been auctioned to date. Neither PSU coal mines nor commercial coal mines exist there. Illegal coal mining occurs there.”
He stressed that illegal mining activities must be stopped under the supervision of the state government.
“This needs to be stopped under the supervision of the state government. We have been writing to state governments again and again to stop illegal coal mining. Still, mafia runs illegal coal mines at various places and makes innocent people work there.”
The Union Minister added that he has sought a state government to submit a detailed report on the incident. He also added that the Ministry of coal is closely monitoring with the Meghalaya government to ensure a swift rescue of those still trapped inside.
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“I have sought a report from Meghalaya government. I urge all State governments to stop illegal mining. There should be no compromise. Such accidents should not occur. Illegal mining should not take place,” Reddy said.
The incident has once again brought illegal coal mining in the region under sharp focus, with the Centre reiterating a zero-tolerance stance and urging states to act decisively to prevent such tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Police have arrested two mine owners in connection with the incident.
The two accused were produced before a court in connection with the deadly explosion at the coal mine in the Mynsyngat-Thangsko area of the district, as intensive search and rescue operations continued on Friday.
