SHILLONG: The member of National Green Tribunal (NGT) and former Meghalaya Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee, who was part of the decision making body to ban the rat hole mining, has come under criticism for the hasty decision since he knew the ground situation in the state.
Besides serving as the Chief Secretary of the State from 2007 to 2009, Chatterjee had also served as the Principal Secretary, Education, Forest Departments, Meghalaya from 2001 to 2004.
Critics have pointed out that during his service period in Meghalaya, he had not given any concrete suggestions to the State Government on the ways and means to address the environment concerns due to coal mining. “If he had done so, we would not have experienced the preen crisis due to the sudden ban on coal mining imposed by NGT where he is an expert member”, said some mine owners
According to the affected people, the NGT should have given the people sufficient time instead of suddenly imposing a ban.
“We are concerned over the environment and the safety of the miners, but how can we rectify the current situation if a blanket ban is imposed, without giving us time and that too when a person like Chattterjee who knows the Meghalaya situation the best is part of NGT”, they said.
Besides, Chatterjee was also a consultant, Planning Commission since November 2009, looking after the environment and forests sector.
After his retirement in October 2012, he also served as senior consultant, Planning Commission for November and December 2012 looking after environment and forests and climate change issues. Chatterjee joined as Member (Expert) in the National Green Tribunal in January, 2013.
During the past hearing in Shillong on the death of several miners in Garo Hills , the issue of Chatterjee continuing as the member of NGT was raised both by the members from the public who attended the meeting with NGT, as well as the media. The question specifically was on granting permission to so many cement plants in Jaintia Hills.
However, the only answer from the delegation was to take up the matter with the authority (President of India) who appointed Chatterjee.
Missing links of NGT order
lNo sufficient time given for rectification before ban
lNo time frame given to shift to scientific methods
lLack of clarity on what to do with seized coal
lNo rehabilitation proposal for those affected
lNo working plan before shifting to modern methods
lLack of clarity on traditional and rat hole mining
lNo spot visit carried out by any fact finding team of NGT before and after mining ban.