Shillong: Expressing concern over the continued prevalence of illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, the Justice BP Katakey Committee has called for tighter ground-level enforcement, including intensified patrolling and stricter supervision by senior district officials.
In its 34th interim report submitted to the Meghalaya High Court, the committee observed that illegal mining activities remain widespread in the district and stressed the need for a focused strategy to deal with the problem.
It directed the Deputy Commissioner, in coordination with the Superintendent of Police, to map out vulnerable villages and locations where such activities are commonly reported and to ensure regular patrols in those areas.
The panel further underlined the importance of securing all entry and exit points linked to these vulnerable zones to prevent the movement of illegally mined coal.
It said the entire operation should be personally overseen by the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police, who have been asked to submit detailed monthly reports on enforcement measures and legal action taken.
These reports are to be forwarded to the Chief Secretary or an authorised officer not below the rank of Additional Chief Secretary, who will issue further directions as required to ensure effective enforcement.
Alongside enforcement measures, the committee also pushed for administrative action on coal management.
It recommended the immediate commencement of auctions for re-assessed and re-verified coal stock lying at Coal India Limited-designated depots, with the aim of clearing the entire inventory without delay.
It also ordered an enquiry into a reported shortfall of 40,554.72 metric tonnes of coal from these depots in East Jaintia Hills, directing the Secretary of the Mining and Geology Department to submit a report within two weeks.
The report also took note of pending applications related to coal transportation.
It instructed the competent authorities in South West Khasi Hills district to decide, within 15 days, on applications filed by Ruthina Marak and Rukmini Marak.
The committee said the process should include obtaining the necessary clearance from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, allowing transportation of auctioned coal after full payment and in compliance with the Revised Comprehensive Plan, 2022, and other applicable norms.
Additionally, the committee flagged the need for effective use of funds already available for environmental management.
It asked the Mining and Geology Department to initiate steps for utilisation of the Rs 100 crore deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board, stressing that concrete proposals should be drawn up for this purpose.
