Shillong, July 28: Heavy rainfall in Meghalaya could be a possible reason for the disappearance of over 4,000 MT coal as indicated in the 31st interim report submitted by Justice (Retd) BP Katakey before the Meghalaya High Court recently, excise minister Kyrmen Shylla said on Monday.
Pointing out that the coal could have been carried away due to heavy rainfall as well, he said it’s difficult to determine whether the reported disappearance of coal was due to natural cause or illegal activities.
Based on the report, the Meghalaya High Court recently ordered the state government to take action and hold accountable the persons or officials under whose watch the 4,000 MT coal had disappeared from Rajaju and Diengngan villages.
The court also asked the government to trace the persons who had lifted the coal illegally.
While raising the possible natural cause of disappearance of coal, the minister said, “I am not trying to justify myself or for the state… (but) Chances are very high since the state gets the highest rainfall… (because of this) anything can happen.”
He also reminded about the allegations that heavy rainfall in Meghalaya leads to flood in Assam.
However, the minister said, he does not have sufficient details to confirm if the disappearance was due to illegal practices or natural causes.
On the allegation of ongoing illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya, Shylla said there is need for concrete evidence to substantiate these claims adding there are various line departments that are responsible for investigating such allegations and determining the facts.
The minister said the government’s announcement of scientific mining was well received by the people, and they will not engage in illegal activities that could attract legal action.
“I believe our people will not do anything where the court or the law will have a chance to point fingers at us,” he stated.
Regarding the inconveniences due to ongoing construction of the national highway (NH-6), Shylla viewed road construction and the resulting dust and debris as signs of development in the state.
“I really appreciate this government for taking the initiative to bring development to East Jaintia Hills and different parts of our state. As of now, it is difficult but, in the end, after everything is completed, we will forget all this and enjoy the benefits of the development brought by the government,” he stated.
