Panel asked to suggest ways to compensate people affected by NGT ban
Shillong, Feb 16: The Judicial Enquiry Commission constituted to inquire into the coal mine tragedy at Mynsngat-Thangkso, which claimed over 30 lives, and root causes of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, has been asked to submit its report within six months.
Informing this on the first day of the Assembly’s budge session on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “The judicial commission of inquiry, as per the terms of reference will undertake not only an investigation of the incident that occurred on 5th February, 2026 but will examine the root cause of illegal mining and suggest measures.”
In his suo moto statement, Sangma expressed his government’s commitment to ensuring that “illegal coal mining and illegal transportation do not go unchecked.”
He added that his administration has taken steps to ensure that “scientific mining is also taken up with three approvals already obtained for scientific mining, and 20 more being forwarded to the Government of India which are at advanced stage of receiving clearances.”
The Judicial Inquiry Commission constituted under Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 and notified on February 14, is being headed by former Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts with two members – retired IPS H Nongpluh and retired IAS Peter Dkhar.
Highlighting the terms of reference of the Commission, the chief minister said the Commission will inquire into the circumstances leading to the incident in the coal mine(s) located at Mynsngat-Thangsko village in East Jaintia Hills adding it will submit a comprehensive fact-finding report on the acts and/or omissions of the persons and/or authorities concerned, including any failure to prevent the occurrence of the incident on February 5.
“(The Commission will) examine the root causes of illegal coal mining in the State of Meghalaya, including but not limited to the working conditions of labourers and miners whose livelihoods depend on coal mining,” he said adding that the commission will recommend remedial measures, including administrative and institutional reforms, to be adopted by the Meghalaya government to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
The Commission has also been asked to suggest appropriate measures, including financial package(s) or rehabilitation scheme(s), for persons whose livelihood depended on coal mining prior to NGT ban and to suggest as to whether the state government ought to approach the President of India for any relaxation/ modification/ exception in application of relevant laws in view of the traditional practices of mining prevalent in the State.
