SHILLONG: The State Government’s sponsoring of the meeting to oppose the NGT ban on coal mining has evoked criticism from several quarters.
The State Government has brought out an advertisement to inform that the Chief Minister would hold a meeting with all MLAs, MDCs and representatives of associations of coal miners, to discuss issues emanating from the orders of the NGT, and according to the CSWO this accounts to misuse of Government post and funds.
“Bringing out an advertisement on behalf of the defaulting coal barons by the Government is against any rule of law,” the CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said.
The pressure group also warned the Government officials not to abuse power and misuse public funds to “support illegality” as there is no tradition or custom to destroy life, water bodies, forests, air and most importantly, there is no customary practice to destroy the environment and Mother Earth.
“The Government’s failure to uphold the law has led to the NGT intervention. To appease these coal barons, the Government has not spared a thought for the poor who are affected by the callous attitude of these coal barons who violated the laws blatantly, contaminating and poisoning the water bodies,” Kharshiing said.
According to the pressure group, the Government should apprise the poor affected by the NGT ban, to avail of the various schemes of the Government through the respective block development Offices.
“It is also the duty of the local representatives to explain the facts to the coal barons, as the legislators are the law makers and the law laid down should be upheld at all costs,” she said.
“Dumping of coal anywhere and everywhere is also not permitted. Yet the Government is silent on this. Ri Bhoi District DC has issued an order under section 144 CrPC prohibiting the dumping of coal along the NH road of Ri Bhoi District, but in vain,” the CSWO president added.