Justice BP Katakey emphasises thorough audit of sources of coal
Shillong, Jan 29: Justice (retd) BP Katakey, who had recommended recovery of nearly ₹400 crore from various companies using illegal coal, has given two weeks to the coal audit committee to submit a comprehensive status report on sources of coal used by the companies.
Appointed by the Meghalaya High Court as head of the committee on coal transportation, Justice Katakey underlined the need to conduct a thorough audit of coal sources used by coke industries, ferroalloy plants, and power generation units of cement plants.
During his tenure with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee in 2020, he revealed that certain cement companies had been procuring coal illegally without settling the required dues and recommended recovery of nearly ₹400 crore from these companies.
The matter, however, remained pending before the NGT and also challenged in the Supreme Court.
Acknowledging progress in the ongoing coal audit, he said some coke-based industries had admitted to sourcing coal from illegal channels and agreed to pay the applicable GST.
However, some cement companies have requested additional time to submit their responses. The coal audit committee has issued notices demanding documentary evidence to validate these claims.
Underlining the urgency of the situation, Justice Katakey stressed the need for expedited progress and directed that the status report be submitted within a fortnight.
Aerial survey report, map by Feb 28
Meanwhile, Justice Katakey has ordered the agency tasked with aerial survey to identify mine openings and assess coal availability to submit the final report and detailed maps within one month.
“The government has entrusted the aerial survey to a private agency, and their representative also participated in today’s proceedings. They have already started the work, and I have directed them to submit their final report along with the map by February 28,” he said.
Meghalaya Basin Development Agency (MBDA) has been authorised to conduct aerial surveys at six locations within South West Khasi Hills district.
MBDA will submit its report on number of mine openings and quantity of coal in the six locations by this Friday, he informed.
Meanwhile, legal mining operations are yet to commence in the state although some mining plans have received approval under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957, said Justice Katakey.
“Despite the approval of a few mining plans by the Government of India under the 1957 Act, legal mining is yet to begin in Meghalaya. Therefore, any mining taking place currently is illegal,” he clarified.
“We discussed the steps taken by the government to implement the Supreme Court’s directive regarding the cessation of illegal mining activities,” he said.
The committee is focused on determining whether any coal remains unaccounted for, despite the ongoing ban on illegal mining enforced by both the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
