NONGPOH, Feb 4: An RTI activist has brought to light a “widespread illegal coal transportation syndicate” operating in the Ri-Bhoi district.
In a formal complaint to the district’s Deputy Commissioner on Monday, RTI and social activist John Frankie Rymbai alleged systematic violations of Meghalaya’s mining regulations and transport procedures, resulting in significant revenue losses for the state.
He said coal-laden trucks originating from Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills and Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills have been transporting coal through Byrnihat without valid transport papers. The complaint references Notification No. MG.94/2011/Pt I/180, dated November 30, 2022, outlining the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for checking illegal mining and coal transportation.
It also highlights violations of the Revised Comprehensive Plan dated August 24, 2020, issued by the Meghalaya Mining and Geology Department.
Rymbai claimed coal trucks passing through Ri-Bhoi are exceeding the legally permitted weight limit, carrying between 35 and 60 metric tonnes, in contrast to the approved limits of 12, 21, and 34 metric tonnes as set by Coal India Limited for auctioned coal through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation (MSTC) Ltd. This is in direct violation of Meghalaya’s mining guidelines and the SOP, which require strict weight restrictions to be enforced at designated checkpoints.
Additionally, the activist alleged that the transported coal lacks proper documentation, as the trucks are operating with photocopies or duplicate Mineral Transport Challans instead of original government-issued papers. Proper verification procedures, such as GPS tracking and barcode scanning at check gates, are reportedly being bypassed, allowing the trucks to cross exit points without scrutiny.
He said the failure to adhere to these verification protocols undermines the Meghalaya Mineral Truck Scanning and Monitoring System, a mechanism designed to track coal movement and prevent illegal transportation.
The complaint highlights an alleged nexus between transport officials, police officers, and influential individuals involved in the illegal trade. It states that the authorities stationed at the Narang weighbridge in Ri-Bhoi are permitting coal trucks to pass without proper verification. Instead of cross-checking the authenticity of transport challans, officials allegedly rely on PDF files and ledger records stored on their mobile devices, which Rymbai claimed is a means of facilitating corruption.
Furthermore, he accused transport and DMR officials of collecting illegal payments from the truck drivers. At the Narang weighbridge, each truck is reportedly charged Rs 4,000. In addition, truck operators allegedly pay Rs 90,000 per 14-16-tyre truck and Rs 80,000 per dumper truck at Khliehriat and Nongstoin for safe passage.
This alleged bribery, according to the activist, has enabled the unchecked transportation of coal through Ri-Bhoi for the past four years, leading to substantial revenue losses for the government.
Rymbai further alleged that the illegal coal syndicate is being orchestrated by Kynsai War, a resident of Mawryngkneng village in the East Khasi Hills district. The activist pointed out that War is registered as a voter in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, raising suspicions about his involvement in illegal coal trade operations across multiple districts.
Rymbai has also accused certain MLAs representing Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills and Nongstoin in West Khasi Hills of being complicit in the illegal trade. According to him, the silence of the state government on the issue suggests a well-coordinated cover-up involving high-ranking officials, police officers, and transport department personnel.
The complaint underscored the financial impact of illegal coal transportation, noting that the state has suffered significant revenue losses over the years due to tax evasion by those engaged in the trade. Rymbai argued that this illicit activity has deprived the government of funds that could have been allocated for public welfare, salaries of government employees, and developmental projects.
He also contended that the failure to curb illegal coal transportation has undermined governance and law enforcement, as the blatant violations occur in full public view without any visible intervention from authorities.
Citing provision 6 of the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules of 2016, Rymbai emphasised that every vehicle carrying coal must produce a valid transport challan (Form H) and undergo verification at check gates before being allowed to pass. He urged the DC to strictly enforce these regulations and take immediate action against those violating mining and transport laws being the Chairman of the District-Level Grievance Committee of Ri-Bhoi as mandated under the revised SOP of the Mining and Geology Department to check illegal mining and illegal transportation of coal in the state.
In his complaint, Rymbai also provided a list of trucks allegedly operating without valid transport challans, marked as Annexure 1 in the complaint letter. He called for a thorough investigation into the use of duplicate or photocopied challans and demanded legal action against those involved in issuing and using fake transport documents.
The activist urged the Meghalaya government, particularly the Mining and Geology Department and the Transport Department, to break the alleged coal syndicate operating in Ri-Bhoi. He called on the authorities to conduct surprise inspections at coal transport routes, particularly at the Narang weighbridge and Byrnihat police checkpoint. He has demanded the suspension and prosecution of officials found to be complicit in facilitating illegal transportation.
Rymbai also called for the implementation of stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure that every coal-laden truck is scanned and verified before leaving the district. Additionally, he has emphasized the necessity of ensuring that only vehicles with GPS-tracked, original transport challans are permitted to move coal.
