SHILLONG: In a clear indication that NGT ban on coal mining in Meghalaya was being openly violated by coal miners, at least eleven instances of illegal coal extraction was reported in East Jaintia Hills District alone on a single day.
Police said that on January 15 around 3 pm, Extra Assistant Commissioner of Khliehriat, G Warjri, detected three labourers – Satrim Munda, Md. Altab Hussain and Md. Firul Islam – illegally extracting coal at Rymbai Road, Deinchynrum.
On the same day, around 3:30 pm, he detected one labourer, Phyrnai Langshiang, illegally extracting coal in the same place.
CP Mawkon, who is also the EAC, Khliehriat, detected one truck (ML-04B-9355) belonging to one Deibok Suchiang and driven by M Rymbai transporting coal in violation of the NGT order at Byndihati, NH-44 (EJH) on the same day.
Again at around 4:30 pm, one truck (ML-04-4139) belonging to one LB Sympli and driven by Bran Chyrmang and another truck (ML-04-6552) belonging to one T. Rymbai and driven by Halnes Dkhar were detected to be illegally transporting coal in violation of the NGT order at Byndihati, NH-44 (EJH).
Many other trucks – (ML-04A-8256) belonging to one Mor Siangshai and driven by Dawanbiangki Suchiang; (ML-11-0182) belonging to one Deibor Dkhar and driven by Treyo Pajuh; (ML-04B-4254) belonging to one Ebrin Phawa and driven by Phein Phawa and (AS-01R-4262) belonging to one Kon Sungoh and driven by Arki Shadap were detected for transporting coal in violation of the NGT order at Byndihati, NH-44 (EJH) at different times of the day on January 15.
Also, one truck (ML-04B-0425) owned by one Khihlang Dkhar and driven by Argisius Marboh and a second truck (ML-04A-6838) belonging to one Werin Dkhar and driven by Darni Dkhar were also detected transporting coal in violation of the NGT order at Byndihati, NH-44 (EJH).
Elsewhere in the State, on the same day, three persons – Sengrak Ch. Momin, Jerabena R. Marak and Wilson N. Marak – were apprehended while transporting coal to Bangladesh through Bawanipur village in South Garo Hills District.
