High Court for status quo on unlifted coal

SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has asked the government to maintain status quo regarding the quantity of coal which is yet to be lifted.
Hearing a petition on May 22, the court said the coal which is already lifted and in transit should be allowed to be transported subject to lockdown condition.
The authorities have been asked to keep the details of the trucks which will be transporting coal following the court order and submit the same on the next date of hearing on June 4.
NGT order violation
Despite the ongoing lockdown and restrictions, there seems to be no end to illegal coal mining in the state.
The Ri Bhoi district police in the last one week have detected as many as four trucks laden with unauthorised coal.
“We seized three trucks recently and one truck was seized on Sunday,” Ri Bhoi SP, Chemphang Syrti said, adding that cases have been registered.
He also said police will keep strict vigil in Umroi and Umiam to check illegal coal transportation.
Earlier, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma had denied that there is any illegal mining of coal in the state.