3 proposals for scientific coal mining granted environment clearances
Shillong, Mar 25: Aerial survey conducted in four coal-rich districts has detected over 1.92 lakh metric tonne (MT) illegally mined coal in one-km radius of coal dumps in the districts, stated Justice (retd) BP Katakey, who is heading the high court-constituted one man committee, after chairing a meeting on Tuesday.
“They found a little over 1.92 lakh MT coal other than the inventoried coal in the four districts – East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills,” he said.
The survey was conducted by leading drone survey and inspection company, Garuda, as sought by the committee to detect illegally extracted coal other than the already-inventoried coal in the districts.
Keeping in view the aerial survey report, Justice (retd) Katakey asked the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of the respective districts as well as departments concerned to be more vigilant about availability of coal other than the surveyed 1.92 lakh MT coal.
“I have asked them furnish certain clarification, which I am expecting today or by tomorrow,” he said.
Based on the aerial survey report, Justice (retd) Katakey will submit his observation to the Meghalaya High Court.
Making it clear that any coal found other than Coal India Ltd (CIL) designated depot is illegal, he reminded that following the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban imposed in 2014, there can be no rat hole mining (meaning illegal mining) in Meghalaya, unless allowed under the provision of MMDR Act.
Meanwhile, Justice (retd) Katakey was informed in the meeting that prospective licenses have already been issued for scientific mining of coal ion the state.
Out of eight proposals, three have been granted environment clearances as well and one has started operation, he said.
Explaining on the probable action on the illegally mined coal, he said after lodging FIR about violation of MMDR Act the coal has to be seized and put into auction subject to permission of the court.
The proceeds from auction will be deposited with the state exchequer. “Not a single penny will go to the coal miners,” he asserted.
