By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: The High Court of Meghalaya has noted several concerns, including the absence of satellite imagery of coal-bearing areas, for the state government to address urgently to stop the illegal mining of coal in Meghalaya.
The court on Monday heard Advocate General Amit Kumar and Additional Advocate General K Khan assisted by R Colney, government advocate, who presented a status report on behalf of the state respondents to the 24th and 25th interim reports submitted by Justice (retired) BP Katakey.
The AG took the court through the report to show the actions taken by the state to implement the recommendations under several heads made by the committee. The court, however, noted some areas of concern, which need to be addressed urgently by the state.
The first concern was about the survey of the coal-bearing areas through satellite imagery and the inability of NESAC, which was asked to undertake the project, due to the unavailability of high-resolution Indian satellites.
Citing the recommendations of the committee, the court stressed the absolute necessity of documenting the coal-bearing areas through imagery. On this issue, the AG suggested engaging the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority for the task.
The court noted its concern about the inspection and verification of the allegations of fresh illegal mining of coal in the West Khasi Hills district. This was highlighted in the 25th interim report of the committee while recommending the monitoring and checking at regular intervals.
The court observed that monitoring and checking “appears to be difficult as per the reports of the additional deputy commissioner filed before the committee”, stating that “there are also countless abandoned coal mines, some of which could be easily activated in a very short time period”.
“It is also stated in the report that technical and logical support be provided to enable sealing of entrance to these mines by explosives to prevent reactivation,” the court noted.
The court further said that establishing Smart Integrated Check Gates at Borsora, Bagli, and Cherragaon deserves attention while noting the government’s inability to implement it due to the unavailability of suitable locations.
“As per the status report, a suggestion is given that a designated route be identified, for transporters to use, failure of which the coal would be seized. This also is yet to be acted upon, by the state government.
“Apart from the above-noted areas of concern, it appears that on other fronts, as per the recommendations of the committee, the directions are being carried out, to some extent,” the court said.
The matter will appear again on December 2 to enable the state respondents to apprise the court of the steps taken on the points.
The court asked the AG to apprise it of the demurrage charges levied and the inventoried coal remaining to be transported.