As authorities intensify crackdown against unlawful extraction following the deadly coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s Thangsko, the East Jaintia Hills District administration seized approximately 6,904 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal from 21 locations across the district, reports said.
The large-scale crackdown, launched amid heightened safety concerns, comes as part of sustained efforts to curb illegal coal mining following the tragedy that has so far claimed 27 lives.
As per reports, five enforcement teams comprising Executive Magistrates, police personnel and officials of the Directorate of Mineral Resources were deputed to carry out coordinated operations across vulnerable pockets of the district.
During the drives, authorities reportedly seized around 3,197 MT of coal from nine locations under Umlawang, while an additional 351 MT were recovered from four locations under Umthe.
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In a similar drive conducted on February 6, about 3,356 MT of coal were seized from eight locations along the Sakhain-Thangsko road along with tools and equipment, and makeshift camps linked to illegal mining activities were identified and destroyed.
FIRs have been registered and further legal action is underway, while a prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS has been issued to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing operations.
Urging public cooperation, the district administration appealed to residents to refrain from illegal mining and avoid hazardous or restricted areas. It also informed that search and rescue operations are continuing at the Mynsngat site in the Thangsko area, with teams from the NDRF, SDRF, Special Rescue Team, police, and the district administration engaged in the effort.
As Report
Mentioned in Meghalaya News 24
