Fresh petition filed before NGT against illegal coal trade

SHILLONG: The intervention of National Green Tribunal (NGT) was sought to stop illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.
According to a fresh petition filed before the NGT by city resident Pawan Sharma, there is a need on the part of NGT to direct the state to stop illegal mining, transport and export of coal from Meghalaya. The petition also highlighted the non-implementation of the directions of the Tribunal by the state government.
The petitioner reminded that the Tribunal had imposed a complete ban on rat hole mining in Meghalaya and thereafter on the basis of several recommendations of the committee constituted by it, the Tribunal issued many directions to check rat hole mining and abuse of process of law by the state regarding extraction, transport and export of coal and causing loss to the public exchequer besides degrading the environment.
According to the petitioner, unfortunately the rat hole mining continues along with all its ills with impunity.
The petition also mentioned about former Home Minister James Sangma and his associate Suraj Joshi in connection with the coal trade.
The petition has pointed out the role of Joshi and added that no action was ever initiated against him from any quarter which only reveals the fact that attempts are made to shield those who are involved in the crime.