Truckers’, suppliers’ body concerned over coal import

JOWAI: The Jaintia Hills Truck Owner’s Association (JHTOA) has expressed concern over the import of coal from foreign countries including Australian, Malaysian and US coal to various cement plants in East Jaintia Hills.
Stating that the import has badly affected local truck owners and coal suppliers, the JHTOA demanded that all cements plants in East Jaintia Hills should stop importing coal from outside.
It also asked the government to ensure that the practice is stopped.
The demand was also strongly supported by the East Jaintia Hills Coal Suppliers’ and Truckers Association.
JHTOA president Nidamon Chulluet said the import of coal from foreign countries is illegal as it is being done without proper documents. He claimed that the officer of the Directorate of Mineral Resources has no knowledge of the illegal supply of coal from abroad.
Meanwhile, officials cement plants have denied that the import of coal is being done illegally in the district.
“We are importing coal legally with permission from the government. If the various associations find any discrepancy in the process they can take their own course of action and lodge a complaint with the concerned authority so that illegal suppliers, if any, can be punished under law,” said an official of Star Cement.