SHILLONG: The committee set up by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to monitor illegal coal mining in Meghalaya has asked the state government to ascertain “legitimate procurement” of coal by Meghalaya Power Limited and Star Cement Limited and also the source from where it is procured.
In its second interim report, the NGT, while pointing out that illegal mining and transportation of coal are being carried out in Meghalaya despite the ban imposed by the tribunal in 2014, said a disaster management plan “for the whole of the area on site (of mining) as well as off site needs to be prepared and put into operation”.
“Resource (coal) audit of Meghalaya Power Limited and Star Cement Limited (is needed) to ascertain the legitimate procurement of coal and its source,” the report added.
The NGT committee said the state government has assured that it would compile and submit the data of year-wise requirement, source of procurement and consumption of coal by cement factories, power plants and captive power plants in Meghalaya during the next sitting of the committee.
The Central Pollution Control Board was directed to submit a detailed report relating to the consumption of coal by thermal power plants and cement companies and also whether the procurement of coal from the sources in the state violates any condition set forth in the environment clearance granted.
The Commissioner and Secretary, Mining and Geology Department, also told the NGT panel that cement factories operating in the state have agreed to make available the required fund for the pilot project for neutralisation of acid mine drainage contaminated water on selected streams in mining areas.
The committee directed immediate commencement of the pilot project.
The superintendents of police of all the districts have been directed to apprise the committee about the outcome of the investigation into 1,139 cases already registered for transportation and illegal mining.
