Pursuing coal illegalities with Centre: VPP MP

SHILLONG, April 14: Shillong MP Ricky J Syngkon on Monday said he is pursuing the issue of alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal with the ministry concerned.
“I raised this issue in the Parliament and I hope the Union ministry concerned will take stern action against those involved. It may also seek a clarification from the state government as to why this is happening,” said Syngkon, who is the general secretary of the Voice of the People Party.
He said despite a ban on rat-hole mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014, illegal mining and transportation of coal is going on rampantly under the nose of those who are supposed to enforce the ban.
“This is a matter of great concern…Some in the government may be hand in glove.” he said.
To a query, he said he is pursuing the matter outside the Parliament as well. He mentioned that he raised the issues pertaining to coal and the North-Eastern Hill University with the ministers concerned.
Earlier, raising the issue of illegal coal mining in the Parliament, he had accused the government of failing to check the problem. He cited The Shillong Times’ report on the Justice (retired) BP Katakey-headed committee detecting 1.92 lakh metric tonnes of illegal coal. He told the House the NGT had imposed the ban in 2014.
“However, it is very unfortunate that even today, a group of people known in the state as ‘high level’ has continuously and blatantly violated this ban. The government machinery, which is supposed to ensure the enforcement of this ban, has miserably failed,” he had stated.