Shillong: Over 1.92 lakh metric tons of illegally mined coal have been detected across four coal-rich districts in Meghalaya, following an aerial survey conducted by Garuda, a leading drone inspection company.
Justice (Retd) B.P. Katakey, who heads the Meghalaya High Court-constituted one-man committee, disclosed this during a meeting on Tuesday.
“The aerial survey report indicates the presence of over 1.92 lakh metric tons of coal in East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South Garo Hills districts—coal that was not part of the inventoried stock,” he said.
Katakey has instructed local authorities, including deputy commissioners and superintendents of police, to heighten vigilance around these areas.
“Other than the inventoried coal, additional coal deposits have been identified within a 1-km radius. I’ve requested clarification on some points from Garuda, which I expect to receive soon,” he added.
Stressing the legal framework, Katakey reiterated that “any coal found outside Coal India Limited (CIL)-designated depots is illegal.”
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He emphasised that such coal must be seized, FIRs registered under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the coal auctioned with court approval.
“The proceeds must be deposited entirely into the state exchequer—coal miners will not receive any share,” he asserted.
On the licensing front, Katakey revealed that eight prospective licenses have been issued so far. Of these, three projects have received environmental clearance, while the remaining five are awaiting approvals.
Among the cleared projects, one has commenced operations.
