Mukul slams govt’s failure to stop illegal coal mining

SHILLONG, Feb 6: Opposition leader Mukul Sangma on Thursday criticized the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government for failing to curb the illegal mining and transportation of coal.
He also criticised the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Coal India Limited (CIL) for their alleged inaction in addressing the issue.
The former chief minister pointed out that Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 makes it mandatory for the state government to take cognisance of such illegal activities.
The High Court of Meghalaya-appointed Justice (retired) BP Katakey-headed single-member committee received multiple complaints in recent times about illegal mining and transportation of coal in Garo Hills.
Referring to Justice Katakey’s reports, which repeatedly highlighted instances of illegal coal mining, Sangma said such violations must be addressed immediately. He warned that if authorities fail to act, they must be held accountable for neglecting their duties.
He lamented that although he had raised the issue before the Chief Secretary, yet no concrete action was taken against illegal coal mining. He insisted that those in power should be held responsible for failing to act.
Citing recent raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate targeting coke plants-based businesses, he said illegalities surrounding coke production indicate a larger problem within the coal-rich districts. He demanded immediate action against those involved.
Sangma dismissed any excuses, emphasising that with improved accessibility to remote areas, officials can no longer express ignorance about mining operations in far-flung locations. “Illegal coal mining on such a massive scale and for such a long period cannot happen without the patronage of the authorities,” he remarked.
Stating that it is the state government’s moral and legal responsibility to put an end to illegal coal mining, he accused the administration of failing to protect the interests of the state.
According to him, the NGT should act based on the findings of the Justice Katakey committee. He criticised the tribunal for not holding the Director General of Police and the Chief Secretary accountable, stating that it is their responsibility to enforce court orders.
He criticised the CIL for its inefficiency in transporting inventoried coal. He questioned how the stock of already extracted coal increased from 2 lakh metric tons to over 30 lakh metric tons.
“Does it really take six years to transport inventoried coal? It appears that the entire process is being deliberately delayed in the name of transportation, while in reality, it is being used as a cover to facilitate illegal coal mining,” Sangma alleged.
He called for urgent and decisive actions to put an end to the practice, urging authorities to take their responsibilities seriously before the situation worsens further.